Face-to-face childcare support now available at Tameside family hubs

Parents and carers across Tameside can now access face-to-face advice on childcare, early education and family services through their local family hubs.

The council’s Family Information Service (FIS) has introduced in-person advice sessions aimed at helping families navigate childcare options from birth to school age, as well as wider support for children and young people up to the age of 18, or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

FIS advisers provide clear, practical guidance on finding and accessing Ofsted-registered childcare, including private day nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups, nursery classes, out-of-school clubs and holiday provision. Support is also available to help families understand childcare funding, such as 30 hours free childcare, 15 hours early learning and Tax-Free Childcare.

The service is particularly aimed at parents who are new to childcare or who are struggling to secure a suitable place. This includes a brokerage service, where advisers can contact childcare providers on a family’s behalf to check availability and explore suitable options.

In addition to childcare advice, the team can help parents apply for free school meals, complete online applications for primary and secondary school places, and offer guidance for those interested in becoming a registered childminder or setting up a childcare business.

Sonia, a parent from Hyde, said: “I found FIS to be a positive experience. The person I spoke to was really helpful and informative. This is my first child, so I was confused with all of the different types of childcare funding and FIS explained everything perfectly.”

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Teresa Smith, added: “Our family hubs are designed to make it easier for parents and carers to get the support they need, when they need it. By bringing the Family Information Service into our hubs, we’re ensuring that families can access clear, trusted advice on childcare, early education and wider support all in one place. This is a real step forward in helping families across Tameside feel confident, informed and well-supported.”

Depending on the enquiry, FIS advisers can also make referrals to other services and provide contact details for additional sources of support.

Families can meet the team at family hubs across Tameside. To book an appointment or make an enquiry, call 0161 342 4260, Monday to Friday between 9am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–5pm, or email fis@tameside.gov.uk.

Weekly timetable

• Monday:
  East Family Hub, Stalybridge – 8.30am–5pm
  North Family Hub, Ashton – 8.30am–5pm
• Tuesday:
  Tameside One – 8.30am–5pm
  East Family Hub, Stalybridge – 8.30am–5pm
• Wednesday:
  East Family Hub, Stalybridge – 8.30am–5pm
  South Family Hub, Hyde – 8.30am–5pm (from March)
• Thursday:
  West Family Hub, Droylsden – 8.30am–4.30pm
• Friday:
  West Family Hub, Droylsden – 8.30am–4pm
  South Family Hub, Hyde – 8.30am–4pm (from March)