We want to ensure that all children in South Tyneside have the best start in life. We focus on early education and childcare to make a difference to families’ lives now and in the long term.

We work to make sure that every child has access to high quality childcare and every parent is better off working once they have paid for childcare. Families who face disadvantage, social exclusion and poverty are at the heart of our work.

Families Information Service

We want to ensure that all children in South Tyneside have the best start in life. We focus on early education and childcare to make a difference to families’ lives now and in the long term. We work to make sure that every child has access to high quality childcare and every parent is better off working once they have paid for childcare. Families who face disadvantage, social exclusion and poverty are at the heart of our work.

The Early Years Families Information Service staff are on hand to offer free, impartial information and advice for ALL parents/carers of children and young people aged between 0-19 and the professionals who work with them. Whether you’re trying to organise childcare, want to know more about early years education and after-school activities in your area or you just need a little extra support to be a good parent, there is plenty of help available. Please contact cisinfo@southtyneside.gov.uk for more information.

We have lots of information for families, child carers and professionals, including:

  • Ofsted registered childcare – childminders, pre-schools, day nurseries, out of school and holiday clubs
  • Unregistered childcare – parent and toddler groups, childcare for the over 8s
  • Help and advice on choosing childcare
  • Information on financial help for families with childcare costs – including tax credits, benefits and free Early Years Entitlement for 2, 3 and 4 year olds
  • 30 hour Childcare entitlement
  • Useful local and national support organisations
  • Details of a range of community activities
  • Wide range of leaflets and guides
  • Childcare Brokerage Service
  • Support for families of children with disabilities and specific needs – 0 – 25 years – Local Offer
  • Information on Family Hubs