4families e-newsletter - January 2019

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Sandwell FIS
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FIS Hub

5 ways our Family Information Service Hub can help you..

Our Family Information Service Hub is not only a great place to search for family essentials like childcare, you can also find exciting days out, new activities to try and social groups to join. Filter your searches by location, child’s age and more to get the best results for your family.

1. Find childcare

You will find over 400 Sandwell childcare services on our hub and don’t forget you can narrow down your search by location, child’s age, school pickup and more so whether you are looking for a day nursery or childminder, before or after school clubs or free childcare for 2,3 and 4 year olds, you can search for what you need here. 

You can also find lots of supporting information about childcare and help with childcare costs.

Search childcare

2. Seek some support

Whether you’re looking for specific help and guidance, or for more general social groups, you’ll find a wide range of parenting advice and support groups on the directory. Search over 300 family support listings on the directory and find the right one for your family’s needs.

Search for family Support

3. Try a parent and toddler group

You’ll find over 100 Sandwell parent and toddler groups on the directory. The groups vary from traditional sessions, offering singalongs, toys and crafts to those offering something a little different, like outdoor learning in nature. Find a group that suits you and enjoy meeting other parents while your child plays with new friends.

Search for a parent and toddler group

4. What's on Sandwell

Check out our What’s On calendar, its packed full of fun things to do to throughout the year.  From baby clinics and parent and toddlers groups to arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, school holiday fun and sporting activities - there is something for everyone.

Search for What's On in Sandwell

5. Looking for a service that can be used if your child/children have a SEN and/or disability

You will find over 400 services that can be accessed if your child/children have a SEN and/or disability.

All the services that are suitable for children with SEN and/or disabilities on our website are identifiable with a fish icon.

Search Local Offer

Looking for something in particular? Don’t forget you can save time by searching keywords on the Family Information Service Hub to get more specific results.


February Half Term

Looking for something to do during the February half term holidays? Check out our What’s on webpage for school holiday activities.

It’s packed full of fun activities that are taking place in the local museums, libraries, leisure centres, nature reserves and parks etc.

So, if you’re looking for craft sessions, film shows, magic and fun and games look no further.

You can also find out where to go for free under 16s swimming and if you need some help with childcare over the holidays you can find that here too.


Help with Childcare Costs

Could you get up to £2,000 a year towards childcare costs?

If you have children under 12 years and work full or part time hours, you could get up to £2,000 a year per child, towards your childcare costs.

Find out more about whether you could claim Tax-Free Childcare, how it works and how you can use it to help with your childcare costs here:

Help With Childcare Costs


Staying Safe Online

Managing Screen Time and Staying Safe Online

Are you concerned about how long your child spends on their computer, phone or other device, what they're accessing and which online games or apps are safe to use?

You're not alone, 47% of parents said they thought their children spent too much time in front of their screens, according to UK Safer Internet Centre.

Here's some resources which could help if you have concerns over your child's device or internet use:

Your guide to social networks

Safety features on social networks

Tips on limiting screen time

Keep your child safe from cyber bullying


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Please like us, follow us and tell your family and friends about us.

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