A Kingston Council service that provides information and advice to parents and carers has recieved a national award.
The Kingston Families Information Service (FIS) was deemed a worthy winner of the coveted Families First Quality Award, reflecting the outstanding work it does in the Kingston Borough keeping families fully updated about services available to them.
The award was presented by UK charity the National Association of Family Information Services (NAFIS).
Councillor Patricia Bamford, Executive Member for Safeguarding and Children First said: “This is an excellent achievement for everyone involved in the Families Information Service. It is vital that we continue to provide parents and carers with accessible and accurate information in order that they can make informed choices about the issues relating to children.”
The FIS offers free information and guidance on childcare, education and leisure activities to parents and carers with children up to the age of 20 in Kingston and the surrounding areas.
It provides lists of registered childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups, as well as information on financial help to assist with childcare and early education costs.
Deborah Craig, the FIS and Childcare Support Team Manager, was thrilled at winning the award: “The FIS team members are proud that the important work of supporting and assisting families to become informed consumers of childcare and other family services has been recognised in the quality award.”
Ms Craig added that working towards the award “focused the team and helped review working practices, assuring we provide a valued, efficient and quality service for Kingston families. It is especially important at a time when many are facing changes to their situations that they can turn to a locally based, free service for advice and support.”
The FIS also offers advice on careers in childcare.
The Kingston Families Information Service is based in Guildhall 1, Kingston, and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. It can be contacted on 020 8547 5004.
