* Visit our brand new online family service directory
The Family Information Service (FIS) has launched a new directory to give families a useful guide to services and organisations that support children and young people, parents, carers and the people who work with them.
From antenatal classes to dance groups, disability support to healthy eating, we hope to meet everyone's needs.
You can search for a local service or activity by type, location or age range, and can also search for specific requirements, for example wheelchair access or languages spoken.
We also want to hear from any clubs, groups or services who would like to be included in the directory. For information contact the FIS team on 01384 814398 or 01384 814399.
What is the Family Information Service?
The Family Information Service operates a database of all the registered childcare providers in the Dudley borough. We also hold information on leisure groups for children from birth to 20.
The database includes childminders, day nurseries, playgroups, toddler groups, crèches, play schemes after school clubs and leisure groups. Further information is available on Tax Credits and Employers Childcare Subsidies.
We work closely with the childcare training co-ordinator, the recruitment co-ordinator and the childcare
development team to promote good quality affordable and accessible childcare.
We also work with the Ofsted Early Years Directorate to ensure that the information we give is both up to date and accurate.
We are open for telephone enquires from 9am to 5pm weekdays and have 24-hour answer phone facility. In addition to this you can email us via our online form or contact us through Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345, or visit the new family service directory
All information can be made available in large print, audio or other languages by request.
Non-English speaking parents and carers can also ask questions about childcare in over 100 languages by ringing the language line operated by Daycare Trust. Tel. 020 7840 3350, open for calls Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.
Questions
What do I do if I am worried about the way my childcare provider behaves?
If you wish to make a complaint about a childcare provider or have concerns for the safety and well being of the children in their care you can ring the Ofsted Complaints Line 0845 601 4772.
Is there any funding available for my childcare?
If your child is aged 3 or 4 you may be entitled to Nursery Education Funding.
If you are working you may be entitled to help towards the costs of your childcare through Working Tax Credit (childcare element.) You may be able to get help via a childcare voucher scheme through your employer.
How do I set up a new childcare provision?
You can email us using our our online form if you're thinking of setting up new provision or call 01384 818033 for a copy of the relevant standards / guidance and to talk to the childcare strategy team.
How can I become a childminder?
If you wish to register as a childminder you can email us using our online form or call 01384 818126.
FIS Online Enquiry form
