Dorset Family Information Service

What happened to the Dorset Children's Information Service (Dorset CIS)?

Search for registered childcare providers, activities to do with your child, clubs that your child can attend independently and services to support your child. Understand the different types of childcare and find out what funding may be available to help you meet the cost of childcare. We also offer information and advice on working in childcare.

Who is our service for?

• Parent/carers
• Children and young people
• People working with children
• People seeking a career in childcare
• Providers of childcare
• Employers seeking to support staff to access childcare

 Starting school

If your child was born between 01 September 2004 and 31 August 2005 you must submit an application for a school place in September. You can apply online via Admissions; or contact your local school direct to register. The closing date for applications is 21 November 2008.

How to contact us

• Telephone the Helpline on 01305 224800, open Monday to Thursday 8.40am until 5.20pm and Friday 8.40am until 4pm. Answer machine in operation outside these hours
• Fax on 01305 228442
• Text on 0762 4809692
• Email familyinfo@dorsetcc.gov.uk
• Appointments in person can be arranged by calling the helpline

• Family and children's activities search

  Search for details of what's available in your area for children, families and carers - for example, parent and toddler groups or music and dance.

• Registered childcare search

  Search for details of childcare registered by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) in your area.

• Outdoor play directory search

  For details of play areas or play parks, play equipment manufacturers, funding contacts, play support organisations and play inspectors.

• Dorset children's service directory

  Search for details of services, both local and national, that support children / young people age 0 to 19 and their families.

• Outreach service

  The Outreach service aims to ensure that the Dorset Children's Information Service is accessible and meets the needs of the community.

• Understanding childcare

  There are many different types of childcare, which can be registered or unregistered. What should you consider when choosing care for your child?

• Family Information Sheets

  Find out how to choose childcare that will suit the needs of your child. What is available for your child during the school holidays? What's on for babies and pre-school children?

• New Name For The Children's Information Service (CIS)

  With effect from 1 August 2008 the Dorset Children's Information Service will change to Dorset Family Information Service

• Help with childcare costs

  Financial help is available to pay or contribute towards the cost of registered childcare. Find out what you may be entitled to and how to make an application.

• WORD branding

  WORD is a new brand which will show that a piece of information, a service or a facility is for children and young people or those who care or work with them. It might be found on documents, on websites or on buildings where this type of information or service is available

• Working in childcare

  Early years and childcare is an expanding and dynamic sector. It's also an important career, as those who work in it play an incredibly valuable role in shaping the lives of future generations.

• Dorset Family Information Service online searches

  The four online searches are not currently working. Please see below where you can find information on any of our online searches or phone our helpline on 01305 224800. We are moving to a new improved search facility which will fall under the new branding of 'Word'. To find our more about Word click on the WORD article on the left hand side.

• Family Information Service

  Helping people make informed choices about childcare, services for children, young people, families and careers in childcare.