Early years and preschool

 
 

Family Information Service (FIS)

Westminster Family Information Service (FIS)

The FIS (formerly the Children's Information Service) provides a statutory information service to prospective parents, Parents, children and young people up their 20th birthday. We offer accurate, impartial information and guidance on childcare, early education, activities for children and young people and other children's services in the City of Westminster and nationally.

The FIS holds information on childcare and early years education services across the City that are registered by Ofsted. These include day nurseries, out of school childcare facilities, pre-school (sometimes called playgroups) and childminders. The FIS can also advise on services which do not need to be registered such as parent and toddler groups and drop-ins.

The FIS gives general information on tax credits and early education places for three and four year olds. The FIS also advertises job vacancies in local childcare settings and is the point of contact for people who want to start a career working with children.

The FIS telephone helpline is +44 (0)20 7641 7929 and is staffed Monday – Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, with a voicemail at all other times. All requests for information are processed within 24 hours.

You can also contact the FIS team online

Information on the following is available:

  • Childminders – Up to date vacancy details, including out of school hours care and childcare during unsociable hours where available. Call to find out when the next 'Meet the Minder' session will be held in your area.
  • Day Nurseries nursery schools and nursery classes -Information on full and part time places at nurseries in Westminster.
  • Tax Credits
  • Nursery Education places for 3 and 4 year olds
  • Pre-schools– listed by postcode area with details of opening hours.
  • Out of School Childcare and Play - Details of clubs providing childcare and play activities for 5-12 year olds in your area.
  • Parent and Toddler Groups
  • Schools - Lists of primary and secondary schools. Information on educating at home and independent schools.
  • Leisure - Swimming classes, soft play, dance, music, sport, library story-time, martial arts, tumble-tots etc. Children's & young people's activities. 
  • Special Needs - Support groups and services, for children any young people aged up to 21 years.
  • Support Groups for parents and carers - Contact details for local support groups such as National Childbirth Trust.
  • Recruitment Information for people who wish to make childcare their career. Details of introductory Childminder Information Sessions and lists of jobs available in local childcare settings.

Family Information Services

Family Information Services are also located in the following neighbouring boroughs. If you live/work near the city boundaries please use these links to assist you in your search for childcare.

Brent

Brent Family Information Services Tel: 020 8937 3001 Email: cis@brent.gov.uk

Camden

Camden Family Information Services Tel: 020 7974 1679 Email: cis@camden.gov.uk

City of London

City of London City of London's Family and Young People's Information Service Tel: 020 7332 1002 Email: fyi@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Lambeth

Lambeth Family Information Services Tel:0845 601 5317 Email: cis@lambeth.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Family Information Services Tel: 020 7361 3302 Email: cis@rbkc.gov.uk

Southwark

Southwark Family Information Services Tel: 0800 013 0639 Email: family.info@southwark.gov.uk

Wandsworth

Wandsworth Children and Young People's Information Services Tel: 8871 7899 Email: cypis@wandsworth.gov.uk