When beginning our search for an early years solutions partner, we realised that what we wanted ultimately wasn't available off the shelf, prompting us to choose Sentinel. We saw it as a solution with potential for development, allowing the core package to be tailored to our specific needs.
The solution we have is bespoke; we can set up online contracts for any individual child, and the system generates the payment. This capability is complemented by the system's ability to determine a child's eligibility within a second. Moreover, the solution has made our process much smarter, enabling us to go completely paper-free. The system's flexibility ensures that most eventualities can be taken into consideration. This flexibility has also empowered us to manage borough operations on a day-to-day basis, rather than waiting for the census. Additionally, it has positioned us as one of the few local authorities paying our providers monthly based on actuals. Overall, Sentinel has given us the opportunity to be more child focused.
For providers, the solution has reduced bureaucracy and streamlined the payment process. Providers can see monthly exactly how much money they have coming in and what they are being paid for each child. They have access to a lot more information at their fingertips.
The Sentinel team knows the system inside out. They can turn queries around very quickly, and they are working well with us on the recent expansion of the new DfE funding streams.
London Borough of Bromley
Early Years Solution
