Children's Information Service FAQs

This section contains a list of the most frequently asked questions from the Children's Information Service about childcare and other services for children and their families. Please contact us if there is anything you feel would be useful that we haven't included.

Questions

Can you tell me about Extended Services in and around Schools?

Extended Services provide a range of services and activities often beyond the school day, to help meet the needs of children, their families and the wider community. Services include: after school clubs and holiday play schemes.

How do I go about finding the right childcare provision to suit my child's needs?

In addition to lists of childcare, CIS can explain the different types of childcare available.

What do I do if I have concerns about a child's safety?

If you have concern's about a child's safety contact the Referral and Assessment Team

Do childcare providers require a Criminal Records Bereau (CRB) check?

Yes

Childminders - Ofsted will conduct a CRB check to find out if there is any information held by the police and government departments concerning the suitability of the person and those living in the household
Daycare providers - Ofsted will conduct a CRB check on the registered person/manager. It is the responsibility of the registered person/manager to arrange a CRB check for the rest of the staff

My child has special needs. Where can I find out suitable activities/childcare?

Most childcare providers should have access to a Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and be able to supply places for children with special needs. Please contact the CIS or the childcare providers directly to discuss your requirements. Parents of children with special needs can also get support on education matters from Parent Partnership.

What do I do if I have a complaint about a childcare setting?

You should make your complaint direct to the childcare setting. If you are not satisfied and your complaint concerns the health and safety of a child, you can contact Ofsted directly, or you can contact the CIS to make the complaint on your behalf if you want to make the complaint anonymously.

What do I do if I have a complaint about a school?

You first need to take up your complaint with your child's teacher, subject teacher or head of year. All schools have a formal complaints policy which will explain what you can do and who you should speak to at each stage of making a complaint. For further advice you can also contact the Schools Information Team

What do I do if I have a complaint about the CIS?

Contact CIS directly so that we can try to resolve the issue as soon as possible in accordance with our complaints procedure.

I foster a child through a private arrangement. Do I need to inform anyone?

If you are acting as a parent to somebody else's child in a private arrangement then you need to notify our Referral and Assessment Team that can be contacted on:

Tel: 020 8359 4066 or
Email: dutyfrontdesk@barnet.gov.uk

Where can I find details of primary/secondary schools?

For a list of schools and to download "A Guide to Primary/Secondary Education in Barnet". For more information you can also contact the Admissions Team .

Where can I get advice about education issues?

The Schools Information Team can offer advice and guidance on education issues. They will endeavour to provide callers with the information they need or signpost them to relevant departments where they can obtain further help.

I would like to work with children. How can I get started?

The CIS provide a booklet which outlines job roles, qualifications and useful numbers to help you get started. We can also provide you with a list of relevant job vacancies. Contact the CIS for more information.