Family information service

Information about our family information service

The Family Information Service (FIS) is a dedicated team within Barking and Dagenham council. The team provide free, confidential, impartial advice and guidance on childcare including:

  • information on local childcare including early years nurseries, pre-schools and childminders
  • advice on childcare funding options
  • fun activities for children
  • brokerage service helping you find childcare

FIS works closely with children’s centres, Jobcentre Plus, family services, libraries and many more to support children, young people, families and people who work with families.

For further information and help finding childcare please contact us, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm:

Telephone: 020 8227 5395

Email: fis@lbbd.gov.uk

Free childcare for children aged 2, 3 and 4

We have a number of early education settings in Barking and Dagenham. Over 50 of our nurseries, childminders and pre-schools are rated good or outstanding. Many local parents are taking the opportunity to send their 2, 3 and 4 year old’s to one using the free offer. Find out about:

  • free early learning for 2 year olds
  • help with childcare costs
  • Free early learning for 3 and 4 year olds
  • up to 30 hours free childcare for working parents
  • the benefits of childminding

Free early learning

Online directory

Family Information - Online is our complete directory of Ofsted registered childcare providers in Barking and Dagenham. It also offers information on services, support and activities in Barking and Dagenham and national information to help parents, carers, families and practitioners.

Family Information – Online

Add your organisation

If you work for an organisation that has activities or services for children, young people and families and want to be included in the directory then please register as a provider on Family Information - Online.

Add your organisation to our directory

SEND Local Offer

Find a range of information, advice and support for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities and their families.

SEND Local Offer

Start For Life

Helping babies have a great start for life - providing easy-to-understand advice on pregnancy care, parenting classes, and ways to support your mental and physical wellbeing.

Start for Life

Feedback

Your feedback will help in improving the services we offer to parents, children, young people and families.

Complete our feedback form