Stoke-on-Trent Family Information Service

Stoke Together for Transition

2011-02-04T03:09:00.000-08:00

Moving through change can be very difficult for families. The Together for Transition website supports families with young people who have additional needs as they move through change. Check out the new Stoke Together for Transition website http://togetherfortransition.stoke.gov.uk/.

A Parentchannel TV video about safe social networking

2011-01-14T04:10:00.000-08:00

Events in Stoke-on-Trent

2011-01-14T03:49:00.000-08:00

To find events for all the family to go to in Stoke in the coming months. Please click on this link: http://www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/leisure/events/

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

Stoke-on-Trent Family Information Service would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

As always, for parenting, childcare and family benefits information please contact us on Freephone 0800 015 1120 or email us at fis@stoke.gov.uk. You can also check into this very blog to find lots of useful information.

Events in Stoke in December and January

2010-12-23T02:40:00.000-08:00

Follow the link below to see a list of events in Stoke-on-Trent in December and January: including dance workshops, museum events, festive walks, football, drama worskshops, cardmaking, performing arts and much more exciting stuff.

http://www.stoke.gov.uk

Dads are important!

2010-12-16T05:41:00.000-08:00

The relationship between father and child is an important one. Parent Channel TV have created a video which highlights this positive relationship:

Health information revolution

2010-12-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

The Government has decided that the NHS will lead an 'information revolution', designed to provide people with comprehensive information and data on all aspects of their health and adult social care. This includes hospitals and GP services.

To take part in the debate and get lots of useful information about keeping yourself and your family healthy go to http://nhslocal.nhs.uk/inside-nhs/Information%20Revolution

Managing children's behaviour

2010-11-25T02:58:00.000-08:00

How do you respond when your child wants everything? Parent Channel TV offers a few tips on managing your child's expectations:

3rd Virtual Information Session

2010-11-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

Stoke-on-Trent Family Information Service have delivered their 3rd Virtual Information Session via Facebook today! Join us on Facebook, like our page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stoke-Family-Information-Service/269825651603 and check out our Information Sessions every Friday.

This week we have provided lots of online parenting facts and tips.

Visit Tunstall tomorrow!

2010-11-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

There will be lots of activities taking place in Tunstall town centre tomorrow from 10am onwards, as part of Respect week. Head to Tunstall town centre to get involved!

Christmas light switch on!

2010-11-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Christmas switch on will take place today in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent! There will be lots of fun, free activities until 9pm this evening. Go to www.visitstoke.co.uk/lightnight.aspx for more details.

Virtual Information Session Sucess!

2010-11-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

Following the success of the Virtual Information Officer trial on Friday 5th November, Stoke FIS will offer a further Virtual Information Session on Facebook between 3pm and 4pm on Friday 12th November. You will need log onto Facebook, like our Facebook page then check out our helpful tips and ideas listed on our wall.

You can also become friends with Hazel Leese (one of our Information Officers) and receive advice via Facebook Chat. To do this you will need to have your Chat Window open.

We look forward to seeing you on Facebook between 3pm and 4pm on Friday 12th November!

Watch this space, Twitter and Facebook for more Virtual Information Sessions!

Virtual Information Officer on Facebook

2010-11-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Stoke FIS will trial a Virtual Information Officer today on Facebook between 3pm and 4pm. You need log onto Facebook, like our Facebook page then check out our helpful tips and ideas.

You can also send us an email at fis@stoke.gov.uk and ask questions via email.

We look forward to seeing you on Facebook today between 3pm and 4pm!

Stoke FIS will be offer a Virtual Information Officer on Facebook again next week. Watch this space, Twitter and Facebook for more.

Website launch event!

2010-11-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Come and join us for the launch of the Stoke know how for children website and the Stoke Together for Transitions website. The launch event will take place at Bethel City Church, Leek Road, Abbey Hulton on 27th November 2010 from 10.45am until 3pm.

There will be lots of fun activities throughout the day including face painting, circus tricks, Santa's Grotto, arts and crafts. There will also be a light buffet and Christmassy cupcakes.

For more information and to attend the launch please contact nicola.beckett@stoke.gov.uk.

Please note that places are limited.

More information about Stoke know how for children and Stoke Together for Transitions will be provided as it becomes available. Watch this space!

Activities in Stoke

2010-10-25T03:28:00.001-07:00

Activities in Stoke

2010-10-25T03:26:00.001-07:00

Whats on in Stoke

2010-10-25T03:25:00.001-07:00

Activities in October 2010!

2010-10-25T03:23:00.001-07:00

Events in Stoke-on-Trent

2010-09-17T02:29:00.000-07:00

Event name Location Description Date

Further events in Stoke-on-Trent

2010-09-17T02:28:00.000-07:00

Event name Location Description Date

More events in Stoke-on-Trent

2010-09-17T02:26:00.000-07:00

Event name Location Description Date

Even more events in Stoke-on-Trent

2010-09-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

National Work Life Week

2010-09-16T04:39:00.000-07:00

National Work Life Week takes place from 27th September – 1st October 2010. National Work Life Week is designed to encourage a sense of well-being and engagement within the work-place. It encourages employers to show an appreciation of their staff by asking them to hold activities and events which support the work-life balance of their employees.

More information can be found at National Work Life Week

Fantastic, Fabulous Roald Dahl Day!

2010-09-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

City Central Library in Hanley is holding a Fantastic, Fabulous Roald Dahl Day on 18th September from 11am - 12 noon and 2pm - 3pm.

This is FREE to attend.

Join in for your favourite Roald Dahl stories;
Make a Roly-Poly Bird; and
Design your own Cosmic Choc!

It is suitable for children 5-11 years old and under 8s must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Call into the library or telephone on 01782 238455 to book a place now!

Events in Stoke-on-Trent!

2010-09-02T03:52:00.001-07:00

More events in Stoke-on-Trent!

2010-09-02T03:52:00.000-07:00

Organisations that help parents and carers

2010-08-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

To search for organisations that can help parents and carers in Stoke-on-Trent please visit the Stoke know how website at www.stoke.gov.uk/stokeknowhow or contact the Family Information Service team on Freephone 0800 015 1120.

Parents sculpt brains

2010-08-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Produced by Sharing Parenting

Source: ‘What Every Parent Needs to Know’ by Margot Sunderland

The teenage brain

2010-08-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Produced by Sharing Parenting

Source: ‘What Every Parent Needs to Know’ by Margot Sunderland

Parenting Handbooks

2010-08-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

For helpful information on being a parent, please visit The Family Information Service website and read our Parenting Handbooks. We have a handbook for children between the ages of birth to 11 years old and one for young people between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. You can download the whole handbook or choose by subject.

Activities in Stoke-on-Trent Children's Centres

2010-08-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

For up-to-date information on activities in local Children's Centres please visit The Family Information Service website

Activities for children between 5 and 9 years with Parent Channel TV

2010-07-23T02:36:00.000-07:00

Preparing for the school holidays

2010-07-15T03:46:00.000-07:00

The Summer holidays are fast approaching. Parent Channel TV have put together a guide to help parents and carers plan ahead.

Find us on Facebook!

2010-07-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

Come and find us on Facebook. We provide lots of useful updates on our Facebook page. You can see our page at FIS Facebook Page. If you don't have an account you can go to http://www.facebook.com/ and create one.

FIS Fest 2010 update

2010-07-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

Stoke-on-Trent Family Information Service really enjoyed taking part in FIS Fest 2010. Along with Family Information Service teams from across the country, we were able to provide lots of information via Twitter on Parenting, Free Early Education, Childcare and Family Benefits. We also shared information about the role of a Family Information Service.

Thanks to everyone that took part on the day.

FIS Fest 2010

2010-05-21T04:25:00.000-07:00

Stoke-on-Trent Family Information Service will be taking part in FIS Fest 2010 as part of National Family Week on 4th June 2010 between 10am and 4pm.

10 other Family Information Services' from across the UK will also take part. The aim of the day is to chat on Twitter about family issues. The subjects will range from family benefits to childcare tips. We will also use the day to improve customer service by sharing good practice with our fellow Family Information Services'. There will be plenty of oppportunity for parents and carers to ask us questions on the day.

If would like to take part, please join us on Twitter on 4th June 2010 between 10am and 4pm. Just sign into your Twitter account and search for fisfest2010. We hope to see you there.

If you do not have a Twitter account and want to create one please go to http://twitter.com/ and sign up.

In Stoke-on-Trent Children's Centres this month

2010-05-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

Information on The Hope Children's Centre, Kingsland Children's Centre, Tunstall Children's Centre, Norton Children's Centre and Ball Green Children's Centre coming soon.....

Confident children

2010-05-14T04:03:00.000-07:00

Self-confident body image - a video from Parent Channel TV

2010-05-07T02:05:00.000-07:00

National Family Week

2010-04-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

This is taking place from 31st May to 6th June. You can see whats going on by going to www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk/view.Home-Page .
National Family Week 2010 is packed with thousands of events, activities, competitions, promotions and other great ways to help families spend more quality time together. See what families can expect this summer half term holiday!

You can also find out more about the UK's biggest celebration of family life and how it is encouraging families to spend more quality time together, enjoying the benefits of a positive and healthy family lifestyle. From picnics to fun fairs, story telling to sports days, take your pick from thousands of great events happening across the area.

Childcare Vouchers

2010-04-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Childcare vouchers are a way in which employed parents can save money on childcare costs. If your employer offers a childcare voucher scheme you may be able to choose to have some of your salary paid in childcare vouchers or to have childcare vouchers as part of your package of benefits. They save you money because they are exempt from tax and National Insurance contributions.

Contact us for more information on Freephone 0800 015 1120 or speak to your employer.

Parent Channel TV video on bedwetting

2010-04-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

Helpful information about bedwetting:

Careers choices for 14 - 19 year old

2010-04-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

It can be difficult for teenagers to give thought to their future career. Parent Channel TV has a very useful video that may help young people to make a choice. Please visit http://www.parentchannel.tv/video/considering-careers

Sure Start Maternity Grant

2010-03-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a grant that can help families on low incomes cope with the extra costs of a new baby. It is a one-off payment that does not need to be paid back. You can get the grant if you or your partner are receiving Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit at a higher rate than the family element or Working
Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award. You can claim from 11 weeks before your baby is due up until three months after your baby is born.

To apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant you need to complete a form SF100 which you can obtain from your local Jobcentre Plus office.

Questions to ask a childcare provider

2010-03-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

Are you registered with Ofsted?

Settings caring for children under 8 years of age for more than 2 hours per day must be registered with Ofsted. Settings that are registered have to meet minimum childcare standards. These include making sure that the person/people providing the care are suitable to do so and ensuring that health and safety standards are met. Some settings do not have to register with Ofsted. These include settings which look after children over 8 years only and childcare that is provided in the child’s own home. These settings can choose to register on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register. By registering on the voluntary part of the childcare register the setting is agreeing to meet a set of standards designed to safeguard children. You can check whether a childcare provider is registered by asking to see their registration certificate, or by contacting Stoke-on-Trent Family Information Service. All settings registered by Ofsted may be inspected at any time. Where Ofsted inspections have taken place, you can ask a setting to show you their most recent report. You may also be able to see the report at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/. Alternatively contact Stoke-on-Trent Family Informaton Service.

Reading with your child

2010-03-08T04:11:00.000-08:00

The Parent Channel TV website has lots of helpful information for families. The video below is about enjoying reading for children between the ages of 5 and 7 years old.

Please visit Parent Channel TV to see more great ideas and useful information. http://www.parentchannel.tv/.

Tax Credits

2010-03-05T05:24:00.000-08:00

Tax credits are payments from the government. Whether you are eligible and for how much will depend on whether you work, what your income is and how many children you have. If you’re responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. You do not have to be working to receive Child Tax Credit. If you work, but earn low wages, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. You do not need to have children to claim Working Tax Credit but if you do, as part of Working Tax Credit you may also qualify for extra help towards the cost of childcare. Other factors that are taken into consideration when calculating your tax credits entitlement are how many hours you work, the age of your children if you have any and if you or any child living with you has a disability.

Benefits and help for parents going back to work

2010-03-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

When you move from benefits to work childcare costs are only one of the additional demands on your wages.

Call your local Jobcentre Plus office before you start work to discuss all the support available and to see how much better off financially you could be in employment.

Depending on your status and what benefits you receive, you could be eligible when you start a job, for:
· a tax-free Job Grant of up to £250;
· an extra £40 a week on top of your wages. This will be a tax-free payment for up to a year.

Moving from benefits to work is not easy so ask a Jobcentre Plus adviser about In Work Support.

Jobcentre Plus can also help you make a claim for Working Tax Credit.

Information, advice and guidance

2010-03-04T05:48:00.001-08:00

Stoke-on-Trent Family Information Service is an information, advice, guidance and sign-posting service for parents, carers and professionals. The service, which operates as an information hub for parenting, hold information on issues affecting the parents and carers of 0-19 year olds. Issues covered by the service include childcare, family friendly financial benefits (eg. tax credits, childcare vouchers and grants), work-life balance, disabilities and behavioural issues. The service also provides parents and carers with advice and practical strategies on how to tackle some of the issues facing parents as well as sign-posting to more relevant sources of support if appropriate. We are also developing links with local employers to help them in becoming more family friendly towards their workforce.

Please contact us on 0800 015 1120 for more information.