Family Information Service

The Redbridge Family Information Service (known as Families Information Direct, or FiND), is a service available to all parents and carers of a child or young person up to 19 years old, or up to 25 years for those with SEND. 

We support families in finding and accessing early education, childcare and activities for children and young people, and can also signpost you to other services if you need help for your family and aren’t sure who to contact. 

FiND is available through our telephone helpline on 0800 587 7500 or 020 8708 6220 (Monday to Thursday - 10.00am to 12.00pm and 1.00pm to 4.00pm) , email, online or in person through the Redbridge Engagement Hubs. 

 

Accessing early education and childcare

FiND can help you find a suitable place in an early years or childcare setting, and provide further help and advice on accessing help towards the costs, including:
•    Childcare for working parents of children 9 months to 4 years: Working parents may be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week (38 weeks a year or equivalent) where they meet the national criteria
•    Two year old funding for families receiving additional support: Up to 15 hours of per week (38 weeks a year or equivalent) funded early education for children of parents and carers who are on a low income or certain benefits. These places are also available to children who are in, or have left, local authority care, or those with an EHC Plan or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance
•    Universal places for children aged 3 and 4 years: All children are entitled to up to 15 hours per week (38 weeks a year or equivalent) from the term after their third birthday
Accessing an early education place can help children prepare for school and has lots of benefits. The FiND Family Services Directory has details of what to consider when searching for an early years or childcare place, as well as details of the settings registered by Ofsted in Redbridge. 

Signposting support

FiND can also provide you with more information on the following family matters, and where necessary provide you with details of other services that can support you:
•    Children’s health and wellbeing
•    Education and schools
•    Financial support (including Healthy Start)
•    Leisure and activities
•    Support for parents and carers

Contacting FiND
You can find a lot of useful information for families on FiND’s Family Services Directory website, as well as the contact details for FiND