What is the Family Information Service?

The Family Information Service (FIS) offers an enhanced service and now holds information on services and activities for children and young people aged 0 - 19 years. 

The FIS is a free service offering impartial and confidential information on a range of issues affecting children and young people aged 0 – 19 years.

The FIS covers the whole of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough.  It offers a one- stop information service for parents, carers and professionals who need childcare or request information about children’s services and activities.  

The FIS provides information on childcare provision and working with children:-

Childcare Provision

• Childminders
• Day Nurseries
• Pre -school Playgroups
• Out of School Clubs
• Parent, Carer & Toddler Groups
• Uniform Groups
• Youth Services
• Leisure Activities
  

Working with Children

• Information on setting up childcare
• Information on becoming a childminder
• Information on start up grants
• Training courses

Every month The FIS issues an FIS update to all Early Years childcare providers and other key partners in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough. This can be found to the right of this page.

What else does the service provide?

It provides information on local and national voluntary, statutory and private organisations that support young people. 

How do I contact the service?

To contact us, please use the details provided below.

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

The Childcare Act 2006 requires every Local Authority to conduct a Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.

We have updated our assessment of childcare supply and demand to identify where there are any gaps.

The aim of the assessment is to provide Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council with information needed to identify gaps in the market and plan the steps to secure "sufficient" childcare. In this context, "sufficient" means having the right type and volume of childcare to meet the needs of all parents / carers in the local community, but with a particular focus on meeting the needs of families with disabled children and those who are in work or who are seeking work.

We welcome any comments or suggestions on future childcare assessments and actions to address any childcare gaps.