New Website Set To Revolutionise Support for Families in Cornwall

Cornwall’s Family Information Service (FIS) has unveiled a newly revamped website designed to streamline access to essential support for families across the region.

With a user-friendly interface, the website serves as a comprehensive resource for parents, carers, and young people seeking information on childcare, activities, and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

A One-Stop Resource for Families

The new FIS website aims to act as a ‘front door’ for families, offering direct links to the council’s Together for Families web pages. Here, users can find valuable information on parenting support, school admissions, and general advice and guidance. Tiffany Kerr-Knight, Together for Families Parenting Lead and Family Information Service Team Lead, expressed her enthusiasm about the launch.

“We’re delighted our new website is now live, making it even easier for mums, dads, parents-to-be, carers and young people to find the help and information they are looking for quickly and easily,” Tiffany said.

Features and Services

The website includes details about family-friendly activities, making it a versatile tool whether users are seeking support or looking for weekend plans. The FIS team, known for their award-winning service, are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to provide extra assistance. They can be reached via email at fis@cornwall.gov.uk or by calling 0800 587 8191.

One parent shared their positive experience, highlighting the website’s utility. “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.”

Comprehensive Support and Information

FIS is part of a multi-disciplinary team based in the council’s Early Help Hub, committed to providing information, advice, and assistance (IAA) to families. Their services are free, confidential, and impartial, catering to children aged 0-19 years, and up to 25 for children with disabilities. This includes information on funded childcare, related activities, and services, as well as the ‘Local Offer’ for children with SEND.

The online Family Information Service Directory is regularly updated to ensure all information about childcare and family services remains accurate. Service providers can add their details to the directory by visiting the website or contacting FIS directly.

Recognised Excellence

The FIS team recently received the national ‘Families First Quality Award’ from Coram Family and Childcare. This accolade recognises their commitment to providing high-quality IAA and supporting families, particularly those with children with SEND.

For more information, visit www.fis.cornwall.gov.uk.