Change in how to order test kits for private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries

The Department for Education have circulated the email below to providers and have asked that Local Authorities also share it in case of errors in the contact details they hold.

Dear PVI Nursery Provider,

The process for how PVIs obtain testing kits is changing from 29 April. We are introducing a new online system for re-ordering test kits for testing at home. This means that you will soon be able to re-order test kits and better manage stock levels and deliveries to your nursery.

You will receive a welcome email in the next few days containing your Unique Organisation Number (UON). You can also find your UON here. Your UON will enable you to place ongoing re-orders for test kits via the online ordering system.

You can find guidance on how to place an order on the document sharing platform.

As a first step you should use your UON to access the online ordering system, familiarise yourself with the system, and check that your delivery address and contact details are correct.

Planned stock replenishment in w/c 3rd May.

You will automatically receive a delivery of test kits on Thursday 6 May, Friday 7 May or Monday 10 May. The delivery that you receive will be the final automatic delivery. After this you will need to place an order to receive further test kits.

This delivery should provide you with sufficient testing kits to last until the end of May. This means you do not need to place an order for testing kits immediately and will have time to familiarise yourself with the new ordering process, so that you can place an order when needed.

Delivery timescales

When you are ready to place your first order, you will need to consider our delivery timelines. Any order which is placed by Wednesday 5pm will be delivered the following week. Any orders placed after this point will be processed and delivered in the subsequent week. For your first order, you may want to place the order at least three working days before the weekly Wednesday 5pm delivery cut off, to ensure that any initial setup issues can be resolved in good time. The table below summarises the delivery timelines:

Each delivery you receive will be based on the staff numbers you submit and will provide you with sufficient test kits to test twice weekly for three and a half weeks.

Please consider your current stock level and your testing demands before placing any order, to ensure that the order you place meets your testing needs.

Thank you.

Early Years Sufficiency and Entitlements Division, Department for Education