Statement of Service
The Family Information Service (FIS) and The Family Services Directory (FSD)
The Family Information Service (FIS)
The statutory duty in section 12 of the Childcare Act 2006 states:
Families with children and young people should have access to information on
- the provision of childcare and early years services in the local authority area
- any other services that might benefit parents, prospective parents or children and young people. This involves providing information or signposting to more in-depth and appropriate services.
The Family Information Service (FIS) deliver this duty. There are 2 members of staff in the FIS and both have NVQ level 4 in information, advice and guidance.
Who can use the service?
- Parents and prospective parents.
- Professionals working with children and families.
Note: FIS does not hold sensitive data about children or families. We direct such enquiries to the relevant teams
The Family Services Directory (FSD)
The FSD is an online version of the FIS where users can find information at their convenience.
The purpose of the directory is to provide listings of:
- local services,
- National services,
- Ofsted registered childcare
- Information and activities for children and young people in Hounslow.
Every local authority will have a directory for their area.
Any service or organisation listed is for your convenience. Hounslow Council do not endorse these in any way. You are responsible for checking the suitability of services.
To help maintain the accuracy of the information listed we contact:
- childcare providers once a term,
- all other providers once a year.
FIS may delete services who do not respond and to refuse new entries if deemed not relevant or suitable.
Accessing the Family Information Service
Helpline availability:
- Weekdays, office hours are 8am to 4pm.
- Calls may go to voicemail if staff are unavailable or on other calls. We will respond to Voicemails as soon as possible, usually by the next working day. Please leave a message, we will get back to you.
Feedback and complaints
Feedback - Comments, compliments, or complaints help us improve our service so tell us how we did! You can:
- Phone or email us to give feedback on the service you have received from us
- Use the feedback link if information on the directory is incorrect. You can also comment on the content or layout.
Complaints:
For complaints about services listed in the directory, contact the service directly.
For complaints about London Borough of Hounslow services either: