York Family Information Service (FIS) has scooped a national quality award.

The team, which supports parents and carers across the city of children aged between 0-19 (and up to 25 years of age for young people with disabilities) has been awarded the National Association of Families Information Services (NAFIS) Family First Award for quality.

The award comes from the Family and Childcare Trust, the leading UK charity campaigning on childcare and family life. It recognises and celebrates the quality of practice provided by the York Family Information Service.

Niall McVicar, Manager of York FIS, City of York Council, said “The Family Information Service is here for all families, be that supporting people to understand their childcare options, reduce their childcare bill, finding things to do in the holidays, returning to work, parenting and much more! We always say that people can ask us anything about family life. Being a parent is the most rewarding job there is but everyone needs some information or support at different times.”

Since April, 97 per cent of people using the service rated their experience as “Very good” or “Good” and 95 per cent said they would recommend the service to a friend.

Comments from families using the service, include:

“This is a great service which I wish I would have known about earlier. It is a credit to York and is giving parents useful information and helping with family life…Thank you FIS”

“I found a childminder which enabled me to find a job. Finding a nursery enabled me to continue employment and through activities I have done with my son found new things he enjoys doing and strengthened our relationship.”

“FIS has really made the introduction to childcare with my first child so smooth and hassle free. It has been an absolute blessing. Thank you. The staff are consistently excellent and supremely helpful. The best customer service I have had in York, in fact!”

Parents and carers in York are being asked for their views on childcare in the city this month. To take part in the citywide consultation please visit www.yor-ok.org.uk/childcare or call the council’s Family Information Service on 01904 554444

For more information about York Family Information Service please visit www.yor-ok.org.uk/fis, email fis@york.gov.uk or call 01904 554444.