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What is the Families Information Service (FIS)?

Your local FIS is a free information service for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 19. They can give information and advice to help you find and choose childcare, and also help you find activities for your children locally.

There is an FIS in every local authority. Call 0800 2 346 346 (8.00 am to 8.00 pm weekdays, 9.00 am to 12.00 pm Saturdays) to find your nearest one. Alternatively, go to the National Association of Families Information Services (NAFIS) website.

• Find your local Families Information Service on the NAFIS website Opens new window

Find local childcare online

You can find childcare providers in your area online. Just type in your postcode or town to find childminders, crèches, nurseries, out of school care, holiday care and pre-school care local to you.

• Find local childcare providers Opens new window

Choosing a childcare provider

Entrusting a stranger with your child is a big step, so before you choose a provider you may want to consider the following tips:

• give yourself plenty of time to choose – holiday playschemes, for example, get booked up in advance
• ask other parents for recommendations
• make appointments to visit two or three providers to compare what’s on offer, and get a feel for the staff
• think about your child’s personality and interests – what environment will they prefer?
• check opening times, holiday dates and costs

What to look for in a provider

The following checklist may come in handy when choosing a childcare provider:

• does the childcare setting have a friendly feel?
• is it clean, light, well ventilated and big enough for children to be active indoors and outdoors?
• are there places where the children can rest?
• is the equipment like the toys and furniture safe and of a sufficiently high standard?
• do the children look happy?
• are there plenty of children of your child’s age?
• are the provider and carers Ofsted registered?
• are there enough staff to keep an eye on all children?
• do the staff manage behaviour appropriately?

• Ofsted registration for childcare - all the facts

Questions to ask childcare providers

You may want to ask about the following:

• safety – what happens in an emergency?
• are the premises secure (can strangers get in)?
• what training and experience do the carers have?
• do the carers know first aid?
• what is the staff’s view on discipline?
• what activities are on offer?
• what food is provided (is it healthy)?
• who can you talk to about your child’s progress?
• what happens if your child becomes ill?

Monitoring your child's care

Once you have chosen a provider, give them clear information about your child's likes and dislikes and any health issues they may have. After a few weeks, you might want to go back and speak to the provider to find out how your child is getting on.

It's also a good idea to talk to your child, to make sure they are happy and comfortable with their care provider.