Family Information Service FAQs
Find out the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the information provided by the Family Information Service (FIS).
- Q: What are the different childcare options available?
- Q: Where can I find available childcare?
- Q: At what age should I register my child for childcare?
- Q: At what age should I register my child for pre-school?
- Q: How do I register my child for childcare?
- Q: How much does childcare cost and is there any help available with childcare costs?
- Q: How do I find an Ofsted report or rating for a registered childcare setting?
- Q: I have a complaint about the childcare setting I use. How do I log this complaint?
- Q: What are the Ofsted childcare registers?
- Q: How do I start a career in childcare?
- Q: What childcare funding is available for three and four year olds?
- Q: I have heard there is childcare funding for two year olds available. Is my child eligible?
- Q: Why is my childcare provider charging top-up fees?
- Q: What Tax Credits am I entitled to and are there any that will help me with childcare costs?
- Q: I want to return to work. What help is available?
- Q: I want to study or train. What help is available?
- Q: How do I find out what schools are in my area?
- Q: At what age should I register my child for school and how do I register my child?
- Q: How do I find out more about free school meals or help with uniform costs?
- Q: I have an issue concerning my child's school. What should I do?
- Q: My child has a disability. What support is available?
- Q: I am looking for family support services for my family and I. What is available to us?
- Q: I want to go on a parenting course. What is available to me?
- Q: What activities are available for children and young people aged 0-19?
- Q: I have a concern about a child. What should I do?
- Q: Who can I talk to about starting up a Pre-school or Day nursery?
- Q: Can my child start school full time from September 2011?
- Q: Where can I find equipment for my children?
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Q: What are the different childcare options available?
A: There are various types of childcare options available which include:
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Q: Where can I find available childcare?
A: From your local Family Information Service (FIS).
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Q: At what age should I register my child for childcare?
A: You can register your child for childcare from whatever age you like; some parents even register their children while they are pregnant. It is advisable to register your child as soon as possible once you have decided which childcare setting you want them to go to. Some places get booked up quickly and some will have a waiting list.
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Q: At what age should I register my child for pre-school?
A: Pre-schools tend to start from about 2 years 9 months. You can register your child at what ever age you like as some pre-school will have a waiting list.
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Q: How do I register my child for childcare?
A: Once you have decided which childcare setting you would like your child to attend you should contact the setting directly. They may ask you to sign and pay a registration fee.
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Q: How much does childcare cost and is there any help available with childcare costs?
A: The cost of the individual childcare can vary. You may be entitled to help with with childcare costs depending on your circumstances.
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Q: How do I find an Ofsted report or rating for a registered childcare setting?
A: Each setting should have a copy of their Ofsted report which should be made available to you. Alternately you can go to the Ofsted website and download a copy of their report. There is a link available from each record on the word website. The overall Ofsted rating is in on their Ofsted report.
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Q: I have a complaint about the childcare setting I use. How do I log this complaint?
A: If you have a complaint about a childcare setting you need to call the Ofsted complaints number on 0300 123 4666. Or you can call the Early Years team who work closely with all settings in Dorset and can provide support and advice, their contact details are 01305 225633.
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Q: What are the Ofsted childcare registers?
A: There are three childcare registers that Ofsted use. These are as follows:
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Q: How do I start a career in childcare?
A: Contact the Early Years and Childcare Service
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Q: What childcare funding is available for three and four year olds?
A: Every child aged three and four is entitled to 15 hours free funding per week for 38 weeks of the year.
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Q: I have heard there is childcare funding for two year olds available. Is my child eligible?
A: In September 2009 the Government introduced a pilot scheme to fund free Early Learning and Childcare for the most disadvantaged 2 year olds. Dorset Local Authority was given funding to offer 76 places of up to 10 hours per week for 38 weeks per financial year.
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Q: Why is my childcare provider charging top-up fees?
A: If you are claiming 3 and 4 year old funding or 2 year old funding, you are entitled to a set amount of free childcare per week. Any childcare you require over and above the funded hours will be chargeable.
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Q: What Tax Credits am I entitled to and are there any that will help me with childcare costs?
A: Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to Working Tax Credits and/or Child Tax Credits.
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Q: I want to return to work. What help is available?
A: Families who are working and pay for Ofsted registered childcare may be entitled to help with costs through the childcare element of the working tax credit.
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Q: I want to study or train. What help is available?
A: Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for some help with costs if you are studying or training.
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Q: How do I find out what schools are in my area?
A: To find your local schools please click on the links below that will take you to the dorsetforyou schools database and dorsetforyou school catchments.
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Q: At what age should I register my child for school and how do I register my child?
A: For information on school admissions please visit the schools admission page on dorsetforyou or you can contact the schools admissions team on 01305 221000.
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Q: How do I find out more about free school meals or help with uniform costs?
A: More information about free school meals and school clothing grants can be found on this website.
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Q: I have an issue concerning my child's school. What should I do?
A: Talk to the school in the first instance or contact the Complaints Manager.
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Q: My child has a disability. What support is available?
A: There are various support agencies in place and funding available for children with disabilities or additional needs.
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Q: I am looking for family support services for my family and I. What is available to us?
A: There are various support services throughout Dorset, both nationally and locally.
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Q: I want to go on a parenting course. What is available to me?
A: There are a selection of courses that run throughout Dorset at various times and locations.
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Q: What activities are available for children and young people aged 0-19?
A: There are many activities available for children and young people to access throughout Dorset.
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Q: I have a concern about a child. What should I do?
A:
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Q: Who can I talk to about starting up a Pre-school or Day nursery?
A: Speak to the childcare development team.
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Q: Can my child start school full time from September 2011?
A: Please visit the school admissions page or contact school admissions directly on 01305 221060 or admissions@dorsetcc.gov.uk
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Q: Where can I find equipment for my children?
A: There are several places you can find equipment for children of all needs including medical equipment, equipment for children with disabilities or sports equipment.
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