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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?
• are the toys sufficiently varied (do they differ in size, texture, colour and shape)?
• do the children look happy?
• are the carers talking to the children in a way that interests and encourages them?
• are there plenty of children of your child’s age?
• are the provider and carers Ofsted registered?
• is the furniture of a sufficiently high standard?
• are there enough staff to keep an eye on all children? (at least one member of staff for every eight children aged three to five)
• do the staff manage behaviour appropriately? (there should be a written policy for you to see)

• 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?
• how does the provider report safety incidents to parents?
• do the carers know first aid?
• what is the staff’s view on discipline?
• what activities are on offer?
• what happens if you are late picking up your child?
• what food is provided (is it healthy)?
• who can you talk to about your child’s progress?
• what happens if your child becomes ill?

It might also be a good idea to ask to see the provider’s written health and safety policy (every group care provider should have one).

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.