Family Information Directory

NCMA, 26 January 2010
Childminders feature in new directory of family services

Parents can now search for childminders in their area using one convenient website.

 

The Family Information Directory includes the details of all childcare available to families across England, including registered childminders. It will also offer mums, dads, grandparents and other carers information on services and support available to them at every stage in a child’s life.

 

The Directory is part of the Government’s flagship information service for parents, the Family Information Direct programme, formerly Parent Know How. The service incorporates independent advice from 18 organisations, charities and voluntary groups.

 

To receive the support and advice available through the Family Information Direct programme, parents and carers can:

  • ­ring a telephone helpline
  • ­go online for personalised advice
  • ­join a social network to get support from other parents in similar circumstances
  • ­watch online videos for handy tips
  • ­or read articles in newspapers and magazines.

 

The Family Information Directory is an extensive online signposting directory which gives parents and those working with families the ability to search for information about childcare and family services in both their local community and nationally.

 

The Directory will increasingly be available on local authority websites and in other locations such as libraries and children's centres.