About the Darlington Families Information Service

All local authorities provide information to families through a Families Information Service. Your local service is Darlington Families Information Service and it offers a free telephone service (from UK landlines) providing confidential, impartial and up to date advice and information on a wide range of issues to support children and young people aged 0 - 19 and their parents. The service has expanded and now has a wide range of advice, services, activities and events. It is a great starting point for any enquiry relating to your family, childcare or careers working with children. Darlington FIS will provide the information you need or advise you about appropriate services as required.

Darlington FIS can provide a wide range of support and information on:

• Childcare – including Ofsted registered childminders
• Local sporting and activity clubs and organisations
• Holiday play schemes and parent and toddler groups
• Services and support groups that can offer help and advice
• Financial support for families
• Support for families who have either a child or parent with a disability
• Parenting classes, advice and support groups
• SureStart Children's Centres and schools in your local area
• A range of issues such as bullying, healthy eating and child safety

And for those working or interested in the childcare profession:

• Careers in childcare
• Information on setting up a childcare facility

Darlington Families Information Service can be contacted by;

Telephone: 0800 917 2121
e-mail: fis@darlington.gov.uk
office: Children’s Services, Room 216b, Town Hall, Darlington, DL1 5QT

Many of the services and activities are advertised on the Children & Young People’s Directory The directory is searchable in a variety of ways which allows users to find what they are looking for. Find the directory on this link. http://darlington.childrensservicedirectory.org.uk

As part of the Government's Parent Know How programme families can also search the Family Information Direct Directory to find out both local & national information, advice & guidance about all aspects of parenting.