The Family Information Service provides information on childcare in your area: fill in the online Childcare Enquiry Form or search for childcare yourself online at: www.childcarelink.gov.uk There are specific services for Lone Parents. There is also plenty of information about childcare on the DirectGov web site. The Family Information Service is a free public service for parents, carers and childcare workers including information on childcare facilities, books, internet access, magazines and journals. You can download a copy of A Guide to Our Services There is also information for parents and carers in the council's online Children's Services Directory: ineed2know The Family Information Service gives general advice about childcare services in Birmingham and can provide you with up-to-date lists of: Childminders Private and voluntary day nurseries Education provision Pre-school groups (playgroups) Parent and toddler groups Out of school playcare clubs Holiday care We have a range of fact sheets on a variety of topics including: Choosing a childminder Choosing a nursery Making good childcare arrangements Advice for lone parent families Playcare Information for parents / carers of children and young people with additional needs Activities for Under 5s Free Internet Parents and carers who wish to use the Internet for information for their child's needs can use the Internet free at the Family Information Service. (Not information for homework topics but access to support groups, associations, health topics etc.) A member of staff is available to help you with your search if you have little or no experience of using the Web. There is no need to book a place, just visit the Family Information Service and ask a member of staff for assistance. If you contact the Family Information Service Helpline on 0121 303 3521 we guarantee to have the required information in the post by the next working day. Opening times Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Tuesday and Thursday: 9.00 am to 8.00 pm Saturday: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Telephone helpline: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.00 am to 5.00pm Wednesday: 10.00 am to 5.00pm Saturday: 9.00 am to noon Telephone: Minicom: Fax: 0121 303 3521 0121 303 2714 0121 303 4386 Email: familyinformation@birmingham.gov.uk Address: Family Information Service Centre for the Child , Central Library Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3HQ