Parent Know How directory update

NCMA Policy Team (11/12/09)

 

Work is still being undertaken to improve the way childcare information is displayed and presented to the public on the Parent Know How Directory.

 

The Directory is currently available on the Directgov website at http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/childcarefinder/ and also on the Information for Families website at http://informationforfamilies.dcsf.gov.uk/. The Daycare Trust also offers an online childcare search at www.daycaretrust.org.uk/fid.

 

A complete set of family services information is not yet available from all local authorities, but will be added soon. NCMA continues to urge the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to work with local authorities to ensure this information is updated as soon as possible, and NCMA is supporting the DCSF in its efforts to improve the site.

 

NCMA has now been given the following information by the DCSF to clarify to childminders whom they should contact if there is a discrepancy with any of the information currently provided.

 

If the details of your provision are incorrect, whom should you contact?

 

Details of childcare services are collected and published by your local authority using a combination of information from Ofsted and specific local information, such as current vacancies. 

 

Basic information on your service is provided by Ofsted and cannot be amended by the Families Information Service (FIS). These details include provider name, address, telephone number, fax, email, contact person, type of childcare and registration details. If there are any errors in your basic information, please contact Ofsted on 08456 404040.

 

Supplementary information such as the description of your service, vacancies, additional qualification information and special provisions are added by the local authority and can be amended by them. If your supplementary information is incorrect, please call 0800 2346 346 to be put through to your local Families Information Service (FIS).