The Family Information Service is a free, impartial service giving detailed information and advice on childcare as well as general information on a wide range of services for children and young people and their families in Waltham Forest.
We have information for children aged 0-19 and up to 25 years for children with disabilities.
We give you information on childcare, early education, activities, family support, information and advice on working in childcare, positive activities for young people.... and more!
Visit the Children and Young People’s Directory
How to get in touch with the Family Information Service
Telephone us
Call us on 020 8496 3000 and ask for the Family Information Service. Our staff will provide information over the phone and in writing.
We have an answer phone service when the service is closed.
Email wffis@walthamforest.gov.uk
Fax
020 8496 2313
Visit us
Waltham Forest Family Information Service
Silver
Birch House
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow E17 5SD
Opening hours
Our offices are open to the public Monday-Friday 9am to 4.30pm.
Choosing childcare
Choosing the right childcare for your child is an important decision for you to make.The choosing childcare pages will give you further information or contact one of our officers who will be happy to talk to you and send you information.
Support towards the cost of childcare
There are different types of support available depending on your circumstances. We can provide information and support on applying for
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
- Free Early Education Place for 3 and 4 year olds
- Sixth Form College Childcare
- Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work
- Care 2 Learn
For further information visit help with childcare costs
Do you want to work in childcare?
If you want to work in childcare, are looking for a childcare job or a volunteer position, we can help you
Advertising your childcare vacancies
If you are a childcare provider there is support, guidance and advice available to you for all your recruitment needs.
To advertise your vacancies please download the vacancy form (57KB Word file) and return to the contact details above.
How to become a registered childminder
Becoming a registered childminder gives you the chance of an incredibly rewarding and responsible career with all the benefits of home-based working. For further information and to register please see becoming a childminder page.
Wanting to open up your own childcare provision?
We offer guidance and support to new and potential childcare providers in Waltham Forest. We are able to support you in identify the needs and the gaps of childcare through our Childcare Sufficiency Assessment. We will also assist you through the Ofsted registration process. For further information please see becoming a childcare provider page.
Customer Promise
We pride ourselves on offering good customer service standards. We welcome your complaints, compliments and comments as they can help us to make our service better.
