Family Information Service

The Family Information Service is the official source of all Ofsted registered childcare providers available in Cornwall.

Finding good quality childcare can be a difficult task for parents. There are lots of things to look out for and to remember to ask when you visit a childcare setting. The Family and Childcare Trust have created a step-by-step guide on finding childcare which you might find helpful.

Search for childcare in Cornwall

Types of childcare

It is important to choose the right childcare to suit you and your child and there are a variety of options available:

• Childminders
• Day nurseries
• Pre-school playgroups
• School nursery units / classes
• Breakfast clubs / after school clubs
• Holiday schemes

You can find out more about some of the types of childcare on the PACEY website.

Funding and help with childcare costs

You may be eligible for funding to help with your child care costs.  Funding is available for 2 to 4 year olds if you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Find out about the childcare funding and whether your child is eligible

If you receive housing benefit or council tax support you may also be able to get help with childcare costs. The childcare costs may be taken off your earnings, working tax credit and / or child tax credit when we calculate your overall benefit.

You can find out whether you are eligible, which childcare costs qualify and how to claim.

Find support on childcare costs

Depending on your family's circumstances you may also be able to get grants and vouchers to help with childcare costs.

Find out about childcare funding

Leisure

Discover affordable, family-friendly events, clubs for your children and holiday activities throughout the county. Find ideas for educational leisure activities to try at home, to help you aid your child’s development in a fun and interactive way.

Find leisure opportunities

SEND Local Offer 

The Family Information Service website also hosts the SEND Local Offer.

The SEND Local Offer aims to help families of children and young people with SEND, by gathering useful information they need to know, in one place, so they can make informed choices about the support they receive.

So if your child has SEND and you are not sure where to go for help, just look on the website for the ‘LO’ symbol or give the team a call.

Visit the SEND Local Offer