FAMILIES searching for childcare will have access to more information as well as advice and support thanks to a new service.

Essex County Council’s ‘find a childcare provider’ has information on more than 2,600 early years and childcare providers, including pre-schools, nurseries, out of school provision and childminders.

The facility is the first of its kind in Essex and as well as helping parents to find the right childcare, also offers an important opportunity to childcare providers to promote and increase their business by being able to reach more people.

County councillor Ray Gooding, cabinet member for children’s services said: “Young children can benefit hugely from accessing high quality, early learning and childcare provision.

“This new facility complements the existing Family Information Service telephone and email enquiry service and will help parents and carers to find suitable provision to the meet the needs of their child, and being online means the information is available 24/7.”

The service is available at essex.gov.uk/fis and has details of the county’s 86 children’s centres which offer services to all families with a child under five as well as the ability for people to: search by location, provider, Ofsted number or type of children; shortlist providers; access additional information; and promote their business.

If parents are unable to find suitable childcare they can telephone the Family Information Service on 0800 055 6874.