Provision of information on all local childcare, early education and other care and support services for children is the responsibility of the Families Information Service (FIS).

It offers free information and advice on early education and childcare places for children aged 0-14 via a telephone line 0845 6011630, which is charged at local rate, or via the Families Information Service. The helpline is available from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Thursday and 8.30 am to 4.30 pm on Fridays and has an out of hours answerphone facility. The team can provide lists of childcare providers in a particular area, while the website has a childcare search facility providing similar information.

Childcare services for children under eight must be registered with Ofsted. Childcare services for children over eight can get 'approved' status, which requires them to meet a registered level of service and care.

• Childminders provide home based childcare for children aged 0-15
• Preschool groups/Playgroups provide part-time educational childcare for children aged 2-5 years
• Day Nurseries provide full or half day childcare for children aged 0-5
• Out of School Clubs open before and after school and sometimes in the school holiday to provide creative and safe play for school aged children (4-15)

Useful downloads Essential guide to childcare for 5 - 11 year olds [1Mb] This is a Department for Children, Schools and Families publication Essential Guide to Early Learning and Childcare for 0-5 years [1Mb] This is a Department for Children, Schools and Families publication Essential Guide to Out of School Hours and Holiday Activities for you and your family 11- 16 years [1Mb] This is a Department for Children, Schools and Families publication It's child's play [1Mb] A parent's guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage   Weblinks Please note: All external websites open in a new browser window. North Yorkshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites. Sure Start Unit Sure Start is the Government's programme to deliver the best start in life for every child by bringing together early education, childcare, health and family support. Office for Standards in Education Website of the Office for Standards in Education Childcare Finder National and local childcare information Pre-School Learning Alliance An educational charity representing and supporting community pre-schools in England Choosing childcare - frequently asked questions How can I confirm that the childcare is registered with OFSTED and of good quality? What should I be looking for? How do I go about finding suitable childcare for my child? What about staff? How should I confirm arrangements? Contacts Families information service http://www.nyfamilies.info FIS.Information@northyorks.gov... Tel: 0845 6011630 Full details for Families information service