In February 2024 Cornwall Family Information Service (FIS) received a national quality award for its commitment to providing the best information, advice and assistance (IAA) to mothers, fathers, carers and parents-to-be.
FIS received a ‘Families First Quality Award’ after assessors deemed it complied with practice standards set by a national charity Coram Family and Childcare.
The accreditation also acknowledges the high level of support offered to families of children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
It comes following a comprehensive assessment process that included interviews with managers, staff, parents and carers as well as in-depth reviews of key plans, strategies and communications channels.
What is the Families First Quality Award?
• The Families First Quality Award recognises Family Information Services that demonstrate excellence in providing information, advice and assistance to local families.
• The Families First Quality Awards are a set of standards that recognise and support the development of high-quality information, advice and assistance provided to families by Family Information Services
• The Standards include information on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
• Achievement of the award recognises Family Information Services that exceed the requirements set out in the legislation and statutory guidance and provide information and assistance of the highest quality.
More information about the award can be found by clicking here: The Families First Quality Award | Family and Childcare Trust.
Some of the praise from service users included:
“I did a search online for information about childcare funding, and that is how I found the Family Information Service. I phoned them, and my call was answered very quickly. They were really approachable, and patient – I had a long list of questions. They even answered a question I had not thought to ask. The Advisor said they would do some research about one question I had. They got back to me within twenty minutes. I have told my friends about the Family Information Service. I recommend them one hundred percent. They are local and know the system.”
“I am a first-time dad, and I wanted to find out more about how to be a good dad. I found the Family Information Service email address on their website. I got a really informative email back in a very short time, with links to journals about dads, and then about groups for dads and when they run. I would be very happy to contact them again.”
“My child is on the autism spectrum and is visually impaired. I have had so much help from the Family Information Service. Initially, I was looking for childcare settings which could support my daughter. More recently, I have used their website to find activities to help with the development of her independence skills. There is so much information there. I found support groups as well, and parenting courses. The website is very easy to use.”