Children's Information Service celebrates quality award

Herefordshire children and families get an excellent service from the council’s Children’s Information Service (CIS) according to the National Association of Children’s Information Services.

The role of the CIS is to provide information to parents and carers and professionals about a whole range of services for children and young people aged 0-19.  This includes lists of childminders and nurseries, details of parenting skills courses, support for parents within the community, special educational needs and community resources.

The CIS has a town centre office in Blackfriars on Blackfriars Street Hereford, where members of the public can call in and talk to an officer confidentially.   Officers will work with them to help identify what information they need, and where they can get it from.

Herefordshire’s CIS was one of the first nationally to achieve a quality award for their services back in 2003.  Since then the government has published new standards and as a result, the Chief Executive of NACIS visited the county to re-assess the team last month.

Her report to the assessment panel praises the team, saying that they hold a good range of information, are experienced and well trained, have effective links with partners, use agencies well and meet all the criteria to be reaccredited for a further three years.

The team were invited to a national conference at the TUC Congress House in London, where they were presented with their award. 

Councillor Don Rule, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Congratulations to the team for this excellent achievement.  Herefordshire CIS and the Early Years and Extended Services team have been through many changes over the last few years as the government’s agenda for helping children and families has grown.  They’ve had to deal with new legislation, changes in standards and increased workloads, yet they are still providing top quality services.”