Cornwall Family Information Service Honoured with National Quality Award

Cornwall Council’s Family Information Service (FIS) has been distinguished with the prestigious Families First Quality Award for its exemplary service in providing information, advice, and assistance to families within the region. This accolade, presented by the esteemed national charity Coram Family and Childcare, recognises the FIS team’s adherence to stringent standards designed to support mums, dads, carers, and expectant parents.

In a rigorous evaluation process, the service was commended for its exceptional support to families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), marking a significant achievement for the council’s Together for Families service. This process involved detailed interviews with managers, staff, parents, and carers, alongside thorough reviews of the service’s key plans, strategies, and communication methods.

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Cornwall Council, expressed her pride in the FIS team’s commitment and the quality of service they provide. “This accreditation is fantastic news and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our brilliant Family Information Service team,” she stated. Ellenbroek further highlighted the council’s priority to make Cornwall an ideal place for children’s growth and development.

The Family Information Service, a crucial part of the council’s Early Help Hub, offers a wide range of support and services for families. This includes advice on childcare, activities for young people, and specific support for children with SEND, all aimed at facilitating easy and swift access to child and family services.

Service users have praised the FIS for its responsiveness and comprehensive support, especially for those with complex needs. The service’s commitment to continuous improvement and partnership working has been acknowledged as key factors in extending its reach and impact.

Tiffany Kerr-Knight, Together for Families Parenting Lead and Family Information Service Team Lead, reflected on the achievement: “I am immensely proud of the hard work and commitment put in by every member of the FIS team. They thoroughly deserve this accreditation and recognition”.

Feedback from service users underscores the impact of FIS’s work, highlighting the swift, informative, and supportive nature of the service. The FIS continues to be a vital resource for Cornwall’s families, offering guidance and support through a variety of channels, including a helpline, email, text messages, social media, and an online directory.

For more information about the services and support available, families are encouraged to visit the Family Information Service website.