Information on tap for Littlehampton and East Preston families

West Sussex County Council’s Family Information Service (FIS) has set up the events to highlight the many types of childcare available and to help ensure parents claim the free childcare (early years provision) they are entitled to when their child is three.

Families can drop in and find out more about FIS and what it has to offer, from childcare to leisure and support services.

Both events take place on Tuesday, September 11 – from 10-11.30am at East Preston Children and Family Centre, 92 St Mary’s Drive, East Preston, and from 12.30-2.30pm, at the Littlehampton Children and Family Centre, Wickbourne Centre, Clun Road, Littlehampton.

County council cabinet member for children and families, Peter Evans, said: “This event is the ideal chance for parents to come along and visit their local children and family centre, and to find out more about the Family Information Service.

“Childcare isn’t just for parents who work, early education is really important to all.

“Access to good-quality early education and care can help improve a child’s confidence and social skills, help with language development, improve literacy skills, increase levels of concentration, and help with behavioural issues.”

From the start of the school term after their third birthday, every child is entitled to 570 hours of free childcare a year (up to 15 hours a week) at a childcare provider such as a nursery or pre-school.

The Family Information Service offers an online facility at www.westsussex.gov.uk/familythat allows parents to search for childcare across the county, from a day nursery to a childminder, holiday playscheme or a breakfast club.