Families information service
We provide free, impartial information, advice and guidance on a range of issues for families with children between the age of 0 - 19 including children with special education needs and disabilities. The range of issues that may interest families are: Childcare, three and four year old free entitlement (education for children), Children's Centres, directory of services across North Yorkshire and National Organisations, benefits information including Working Tax Credit and Disability Living Allowance and much more.
We cannot endorse or recommend individual childcare types or providers. However by providing you with comprehensive information on childcare provision available in the area you requested, along with leaflets/other information on choosing childcare, we will enable you to make an informed decision on the most suitable childcare for you and your child. Who can the Families Information Service help?- parents - mothers, fathers and carers
- parents with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- practitioners or professionals who are directly supporting parents in North Yorkshire
- people wanting to set up a childcare service including Childminding
- people interested in working in the childcare/playwork sector
Help for parents and carersThe Families Information Service is a good starting point to look for registered childcare. We can supply you with information on childminders, pre-school playgroups, day nurseries, out of school clubs, before and after school clubs, holiday playschemes and creches in the area of North Yorkshire that you live/work/need childcare. We also hold information on other non - registered activities for children, e.g. parent and toddler groups, information on help with childcare costs, general family /parenting support issues. We can also provide you with information on other non - registered activities for children, such as parent and toddler groups, support groups and fun places to go with your children as well as information on a range of services. The FIS will provide information to parents on help with childcare costs, disability living allowance (DLA) and general family/parenting support issues. Other pages of this site explain the assistance available to parents when looking for childcare e.g. paying for childcare, types of childcare available, points to consider when looking for childcare. Help for people wishing to work in childcareWe provide information to people who are considering working in childcare. 
Help for people wishing to set up childcare servicesIf you would like to become a registered childminder or set up a new day care facility (eg day nursery, creche, out of school club, pre-school playgroup) the Families Information Service is your first point of contact. We can provide you with all the information you will need to get started and put you in touch with a development officer who will guide and support you through the registration process. Help for childcare providersThe Families Information Service provides details of childcare providers directly to parents, therefore we can help you to promote your childcare services. Give us a call to update your details and find out how we can help you. Looking for a new member of staff? We can offer you advice and support with recruiting childcare workers. There is a new website cyps.info specifically for childcare providers, schools, practitioners and professionals working with children and young people. The FIS is a manned telephone service between the hours of: Monday to Thursday 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Friday 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The FIS also has a voicemail if the telephone service is busy or if the staff are in training. At the earliest opportunity, any messages left will be returned.
|
