Wokingham

The Children’s Information Service (CIS) run by Wokingham District Council and based at the Ambleside Centre in Woodley has expanded its service to residents in the district and from Monday November 27 will be known as the Wokingham District Family Information Service (FIS).

The original service provided information and guidance on a full range of subjects about children from birth to 14 years, or 18 years in the case of children with additional needs, but the Wokingham Family Information Service has extended the age range to assist children and young people aged up to 20 years old, as well as their families and carers.

Childcare information will still be available and includes details of childminders, day nurseries, nursery schools, pre-school and playgroups, parent and toddler groups, after-school clubs and holiday play schemes, as well as nanny, au pair and babysitting agencies.

Wokingham Leisure, sport and recreational facilities information will also be covered and includes details about music groups and lessons, dance and drama classes, swimming lessons, toddler gym and gymnastics classes, martial arts classes, uniformed groups including guides, brownies, cubs and scouts, arts and crafts, youth clubs, junior football clubs, ideas and venues for children’s parties, library story times, horse riding lessons and toy libraries.

Now the Wokingham service is more ‘family centred’, it will provide information on subjects including:
- Family learning opportunities
- Education services and schools
- Extended schools
- Health services
- Sex and relationships
- Child development
- Safety

Jo Jolly, family information services manager, said: “Wokingham District Family Information Service provides a ‘one stop shop’ for all parent carers, children and young people in the Wokingham district. By broadening the range of information and advice we offer, we hope to meet the needs of all parents, carers, children and young people. In doing so, we will also meet statutory guidelines for information, advice and assistance duties within the Childcare Act. We have access to wide resources and will also signpost enquirers to other relevant sources.”

The Family Information Service will continue to be free, confidential and impartial, available by telephone, internet, drop-in and through outreach sessions. The opening hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, have been retained.

Wokingham Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for children’s services, said: “I am very pleased at not only how quickly the changing need was identified, but also how effectively the service has been adapted. It’s essential that families in the district have access to the best possible information resources on many subjects, if they are to thrive.”

The Family Information Service can be identified in forthcoming publicity material by a new logo. The telephone number will remain as (0118) 935 2255. The email address will be fis@wokingham.gov.uk

The service also has a free direct public telephone link set up in the reception area of Wokingham District Council’s Shute End offices in Wokingham. The phoneline operates during the council’s opening hours from 8.30am to 5pm, and as FIS staff will be available from 9am to 5pm an answerphone service will be available outside those hours.

Wokingham District Council