Family Information Service

The Family Information Service (formerly the Children's Information Service) provides advice to prospective parents, parents, children and young people up to their 20th birthday. We can help with impartial information on:

• Childcare and early education
• Activities for children and young people
• Day nurseries, out of school childcare facilities
• Pre-school (sometimes called playgroups)
• Childminders, Parent and toddler groups and drop-ins
• Tax credits and early education places for three and four year olds
• Job vacancies in local childcare settings
• Help for people who want a career working with children.

Our 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 or via email at fis@westminster.gov.uk. All requests for information are processed within 24 hours. You can also contact us online. Information on the following is available:

• Childminders - Up to date 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 plus more information on how to get help with childcare costs.
  
  
• Nursery Education places for 3 and 4 year olds information on how to get a free place for your child.
  
  
• Pre-schools  information on where pre-schools are available in your area.
  
  
• Out of School Childcare and Play - Details of clubs providing childcare and play activities for 5-12 year olds in your area.
• Extended Services which schools are offering services before and after school hours.
  
  
• Parent and Toddler Groups
  
  
• Schools - Details 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 & 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 Befriend a family.
  
  
• 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 Children's and Families Information Service

Tel: 020 8937 3001 Email: fis@brent.gov.uk

Camden

Camden Family Information Services

Tel: 020 7974 1679 Email: fis@camden.gov.uk

City of London

City of London Family and Young People's Information Service

Tel: 020 7332 1002 Email: fyi@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Lambeth

Lambeth Family Information Service

Tel:0845 601 5317 Email: fis@lambeth.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Family Information Service

Tel: 020 7361 3302 Email: fis@rbkc.gov.uk

Southwark

Southwark Family Information Service

Tel: 0800 013 0639 Email: family.info@southwark.gov.uk

Wandsworth

Wandsworth Family Information Service

Tel: 020 8871 7899 Email: fis@wandsworth.gov.uk