Family Information Service
Welcome to your local Family Information Service.
The Family Information Service offers free, friendly, professional and impartial guidance on the latest services and support available to members of all the family.
We first opened in 1999 and provided information on all aspects of childcare, we have now extended our expertise to include a wide range of information on family related services. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff has over 20 years' experience in childcare, they are committed to providing equal opportunities and are inclusive in their approach to running the service.
We aim to ensure that all the information we provide is accurate and up to date. Requests for information will be provided within 48hours or sooner and all personal client information is kept confidential and complies with the Data Protection Act.
The Family Information Service is funded by Plymouth City Council.
Services for parents/carers/individuals
Childcare and out of school activities
The Family Information Service can provide information on all aspects of childcare including: What to look for when choosing childcare, childcare options, national standards, a database of childcare in each area and a directory of holiday and out of school activities/care. We also send out a Playscheme list. Get in touch if you would like to be put on our list.The service also has a directory on children and family related services and provides information on schools, toy libraries, leisure activities and Children Centres. They also help parents/carers with the process for making complaints about a provider.
Useful Childcare Links:
- http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/plymouth
- http://www.ofsted.gov.uk
- http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk
- http://www.parents-guide-to-plymouth.co.uk/
- http://www.loneparenthelpline.info
- http://www.think-fathers.org
- http://www.primarytimes.net/regional_homepage_19.php
Tax credit and benefit calculations
The Family Information Service can offer parents and carers advice and guidance on whether you qualify and on calculating your working and child tax credit entitlement. If you earn less than £66,000 you could be entitled so contact 0800 783 4259.Family Legal Advice
The Family Information Service with Wolferstans also offers free family legal advice. Subjects covered include: divorce, separation, cohabitation disputes, childcare and domestic violence. Drop into the service on Mondays From 10-12pm or book an appointment by calling the Freephone 0800 783 4259.Working in childcare
The Family Information Service can provide information and guidance on funding for training, information on different qualifications, support finding work, jobs bulletin which covers all childcare job vacancies, support finding a voluntary placement, and information on childcare career paths.- Plymouth Childcare Jobs Bulletin
- Useful Childcare and other job links:
- Children and Young People Now jobs: http://www.cypnowjobs.co.uk/recruiters/?DCMP=EMC-CYPNJOBS-020209
- Job Centre Plus: http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/index.html
Services for Childcare Providers
Childcare job vacancy bulletin
The Family Information Service can advertise your staff vacancies for free. They will help you recruit staff to fill openings within your setting by advertising all vacancies on their website. They also have a database of childcare workers who are looking for employment. The service can also arrange to have your vacancies advertised with Job Centre Plus improving your chances of filling positions without any cost. Please complete the Job Vacancy form and TEXT 07748026747, fax 01752 517483, email info@routeways.org.uk or call us on 0800 783 4259.
Childcare vacancies
The Family Information Service can help you fill available childcare spaces to parents/carers by advertising your vacancies on our database. We have engaged with over 50,000 families and our online childcare database can help you advertise your setting to parents who are looking for childcare. We have made the service easier to contact by implementing a texting service that saves you time and effort.
TEXT 07748026747, fax 01752 517483, email info@routeways.org.uk or call us on 0800 783 4259.
Start up new childcare provision
If you would like to become a childminder or set up a day nursery or pre-school the Family Information Service can help provide guidance and research that can help you start a new provision. They can put you in touch with the right support and guide you through the process.
Services for local business
Childcare Vouchers
Childcare vouchers help parents to cover the cost of looking after their children while they work. The Family Information Service can help employers provide vouchers to employees. Childcare vouchers are tax-free and exempt from NI contributions.
With a Childcare Vouchers scheme, employees get more in their wage packets by using them to pay for your childcare (saving up to £1,196 a year per parent), and your business saves money too (up to £370 a year per employee).
Tax credit advice for staff
The Family Information Service can provide your employees with advice and guidance on whether they qualify for tax credit and benefits and also support, calculating and applying for working and child tax credits.
Source childcare for employer’s staff
The Family Information Service can help local employer’s source childcare for their employees. The service can provide information on childcare options and how to choose childcare.
Contact Details
The Family Information Service is open to the public (with exception of 2 weeks at Christmas) from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday, through either the FREEPH0NE 0800 783 4259 or by visiting the Service at 41-43 Chapel Street, Mount Wise Plymouth PL1 4DU.
Outside of these hours a 24-hour FREEPHONE answer service is available.
Tel: FREEPH0NE 0800 783 4259
Email: info@routeways.org.uk