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Family Information Service

This service provides advice on all aspects of childcare and family support services for young people up to their twentieth birthday.

The Family Information Service (FIS) can advise on affordability and standards of care by helping parents make an informed choice for themselves and their families. The service provides information which takes into account parents' needs, the individual needs of a child and the location in which the service is required.

The main function is to provide accurate, up to date, impartial information on childcare including childminders, nurseries, and play schools/pre-schools and out of school and family support activities.

FIS also holds information on informal childcare and support, for example carer and toddler groups, toy libraries, leisure activities, library services, support groups, health information, financial advice, as well as other relevant services

The team provides a brokerage service for people who may need a little more help. This maybe where a child has additional needs and may require extra help to find an appropriate setting.

The FIS team provides outreach surgeries in public locations to discuss matters face to face with parents and carers. It supports schools with Transition into Schools (TIS) and Choice Advice sessions to help parents find the right school for their child. 

Other information

The FIS manages a Directory and map of services for children and families which can be accessed  for comprehensive information, advice and guidance on the full range of services available for children, young people and families in Bexley, including non-council providers. The link is available on the right hand menu.

The FIS can also offer advice and guidance to family and friends looking after other people's children. Please see Bexley's Family and Friends policy in the Related Media section on the right hand side of the page.

Bexley's Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and Executive Summary are available for prospective providers looking to set up childcare within the borough. There are available as pdf documents in the right hand menu.

Useful contacts

Other useful contacts within the Council appear in the right hand menu. We have also included helpful external website links. If you would like to discuss any of your needs please phone or e-mail us using the contacts outlined in the right hand column.