Southampton Children's Information Service
Welcome to Southampton Children's Information Service
If you have children, and you want to find or work in childcare, or are looking for information on parenting classes, activities for children and young people, family support, health information, out of school clubs, early years education and a wide range of other information, Southampton Children's Information Service (CIS) can help you. Southampton Children's Information Service is a free service provided by Southampton City Council. We offer a wide range of information on services for families and children, and up to date information about childcare and activities available in the City. This website is managed on behalf of Southampton City Council and the Southampton Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership by Southampton Children's Information Service. Do you need information on childcare?
Southampton Children's Information Service has lots of information on childcare options, including: - Childminders
- Day nurseries
- Pre-school playgroups
- Breakfast clubs and after school clubs
- Holiday play schemes
We can tell you what they offer, when they are open, and where to find them. We also hold information about what they charge and whether they have any vacancies. Try our online searchable database or call us free on 0800 169 8833. We can also advise you on getting help with paying for childcare. Are you looking for childcare for the first time?
The choices can be confusing - perhaps you are not sure about the difference between one type of childcare and another. This website offers explanations of most childcare services - but if you wish, Children's Information Service staff will be happy to discuss the options available over the phone or face to face. You will have the chance to talk through what is best for you and your child. All enquiries will be treated as confidential. Southampton Children's Information Service does not make recommendations. It is the responsibility of the parent or carer to choose the most suitable care. The Children's Information Service does aim to offer a high quality service however, and to this end, we operate a publicly available complaints policy: click here to see a copy.
Do you want to work in childcare?
We can help with advice and information on the types of jobs open to you, training courses and help with funding for training. We also hold lists of current job vacancies in childcare. There is lots of information on this site about the different types of jobs and what they involve. If you want to find out more, you might like to go on a Making Choices course. This is a free course which runs several times a year. You might also like to find out about help with paying for training in childcare. If you want to find out about the training options open to you, the CIS can talk you through the options. Call the Recruitment Hotline on 023 8083 3122. Or why not take a look at the Careers in Childcare section of this website.
Are you looking for activities for your child?
we hold lots of information on things for children and young people of all ages to do, from parent and toddler groups to karate lessons. You can find much of the information we hold on our online searchable database - click here to take a look. Or you can call us free on 0800 169 8833. Do you need information on health services for families, local parenting classes, national support organisations, starting school...
The Children's Information Service holds a really wide range of information that we think might of help to families and people that work with families in Southampton. And if we do not hold information on a specific topic we can signpost you to the appropriate information point - call us free on 0800 169 8833. Or click here to search our online database. Where can you find us?
Our offices are situated on Commercial Road, near to the Central Train Station, and our address is:
68 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1GD In the office we also have a small play area, which your children can enjoy while you have a look around or talk to the staff.
When are we open?
Our freephone helpline and our offices are open 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, with an answerphone available at all other times.
How can you contact us?
You can contact us by phone, post, fax and email, or by popping into the office for a chat. Freephone: 0800 169 8833
Fax: 023 8083 3066
Email: click here to send comments
Post or visit: 68 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1GD Selected information is also available via the Internet on the national Childcarelink Website. Can I see your policies and plans?
Yes! Click on the links below to see all of the Southampton Children's Information Service Plans and Policies. Southampton Children's Information Service - Priorities 2006/07
Complaints Policy
Customer Care Policy
Data Management Policy
Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy
Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy
Monitoring and Evaluation Policy
Referral Policy
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