Looking Local has integrated with the Family Information Directory from the DoE. The integration was funded by Kirklees Council, but this is now available to all partners so that they can offer national coverage of up to date local information for families, children and their carers. Whilst the FID has been available online and via the phone for some time now, the integration with Looking Local means that it can reach a whole new digitally excluded audience via DiTV and mobile.
Supporting Section 12 of the 2006 Childcare Act, the FID helps local authorities with their remit to provide information advice and assistance; on average, parents looked for advice around four times a year. The Family Information Directory means that, for the first time, parents and families can find the information they want on subjects including family activities, parenting questions and childcare with a single search.
The Family Information Directory is an extensive directory offering parents, and those working with them, the ability to search for information about childcare and family services in both their local community and nationally. Ofsted and a dedicated national database of family services have come together with 152 local authorities to offer a range of really useful information, including:
- A variety of local and national services and facilities such as playgroups, leisure centres and parental support etc
- Comprehensive information on the range of childcare available in their area and elsewhere
- Services that support children with disabilities and special educational needs
Looking Local will add the FID to all bureau sites by the end of June, notes will appear in the CMS news, whilst non-bureau sites will need to go to the plug-in link within the CMS and add it to their site.
A key directory for families and carers, the attached document is the background to the FID.
