Finding Childcare and the Families Information Service

If you are a parent / carer the Families Information Service (FIS) aims to provide you with access to high quality, accurate and timely information to enable you to make informed choices on the range of different types of childcare available to you. The FIS holds information on all registered childcare in the Wakefield district which includes:

• Breakfast clubs
• Childminders
• Day nurseries
• Holiday clubs
• Out of school care
• Pre-school playgroups
• Wraparound care

Search the Family Services Directory ( Wakefield Council – Childcare Search – Enquiry) for a list of childcare providers in your area.

We provide childcare information in a Childcare Report which details the opening times, vacancies, costs, school pick-ups, full contact information, and Ofsted Inspection Grade.

How to get your personal Childcare Report

If you would like to receive a personalised Childcare Report just contact the FIS on 0800 587 8042 and we will search for childcare based on your specific requirements, then post, email or fax the report to you. You will also receive information about the different types of childcare, average childcare costs and information on help with paying for childcare.  Alternatively you can search the Family Services Directory  ( Wakefield Council – Childcare Search – Enquiry) for a list of childcare providers in your area.

How to make a complaint about childcare

If for any reason you have concerns about a childcare provider and feel it necessary to make a complaint you should in the first instance discuss your concerns with the provider. If you are not satisfied with the response from the provider you can contact:-

FIS at information@wakefield.gov.uk or call 0800 587 8042

or contact Ofsted or call 0300 123 4666

Brokerage Service

The Brokerage Service is also available for those parents/carers with complicated childcare requirements, for example shift workers, care needed at short notice, and for those who have attempted to find suitable childcare without success.

Other aspects of the Brokerage Service include helping parents navigate the information available to them, encouraging them to widen their search criteria if appropriate, and checking whether cost is a barrier to finding suitable childcare and ensuring they have taken up all possible entitlements.