Supporting parents in their parenting role

Sandwell Family Information Service offers free, impartial information to families with children aged 0 to 19 years (or up to 25 years with a special educational need or disability), young people and professionals.  We are the principal service for information to parents/carers for the Local Authority (LA) Sandwell Council.

For childcare and family services in Sandwell, visit the

Family Information Service Hub

Sandwell Family Information Service has  information on:

Looking for childcare - Whether you are looking for part time or full time childcare, out of school clubs or holiday clubs, help is at hand to enable you to find the right type of quality childcare which best suits your needs and the needs and age of your child.  

Choosing quality childcare - You need to feel confident about the childcare setting you are using for your child. So before you choose any type of childcare, you should do some research by asking the right questions.

Childminding and child development  - Take a look at some of the key benefits of childminding for your child's development, including school readiness.

Childcare for children with special educational needs/disability - Lots of information to help you find and decide on the childcare that suits you and your child or children's needs, what childcare providers should be doing to support you and your child and where to find extra support.

Help with accessing childcare (Childcare Brokerage) - As a parent/carer, you may sometimes have difficulty in finding the childcare option which is right for you.  If you are having trouble finding a service to meet your needs, the Childcare Brokerage service help support you.

School holidays - What's on in Sandwell?  Find out here what playschemes, activities and events are running in your local area during the school holidays.

Free Early learning for 2 year olds available to families who meet certain criteria.

Free early learning for 3 and 4 year olds (Nursery Education) for children before they start school and the Early Years Foundation stage.

Financial support and help with childcare costs for working parents families on low income, teenage parents, student parents, tax credits and childcare vouchers.

Tax-Free Childcare  is a Government scheme to help with the cost of childcare. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your provider.

Information and Support for Childcare Providers

Family Hubs   offer the right help, in the right place, at the right time. They provide services and support for families with children 0-19 (or 25 with SEND). They can also offer extra support to families during pregnancy and with baby’s first years. Family Hub run regular sessions where families can get advice, enjoy fun activities and socialise in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Working in childcare - Information on how Sandwell Early Years and Quality Unit can offer you advice, help and support, whether you are thinking about a career working with children or just staring out as a childcare provider.

Thinking about becoming a childminder?  - Find information to help you decide if childminding could be the career for you.

Sandwell children and young adults disability and special needs register - For children and young adults with a special educational need and/or disability. Find out about the benefits of joining the register, how to join and take a look at our latest Sunshine Newsletter.

Childcare Sufficiency Report - The Childcare Sufficiency Report involves analysing the demand for childcare; mapping the supply of childcare and identifying any gaps in childcare provision within the borough.