Family Information Directory Support


This website supports local authority (LA) implementation of the Family Information Directory (FIDy). It contains a range of information, tools and resources for those involved in delivering the FIDy, including Families Information Service (FIS) managers and those with strategic responsibility for Section 12 of the Childcare Act 2006. It also contains technical documentation for use by system suppliers, channel partners and local authority technical staff.



What is the Family Information Directory (FIDy)?

FIDy is an extensive online directory offering parents and those working with them the ability to search for information about childcare and families services in both their local community, in other areas and nationally.

The Family Information Directory is available currently through Directgov, and will be accessible over time via local authority websites across England, and other locations such as libraries and children’s centres. Parents will also be able to access the Directory through a range of third and private sector websites.  Note that, although information is presented in different ways to fit with the host site it is all sourced from the central publishing system for the Directory, which is populated by local authorities and the DCSF.  Organisations that have implemented the Directory into their online services are:

DirectGov logo: Childcare

Directgov Childcare

DirectGov logo: Childcare

Directgov Family Services

DirectGov logo: Childcare

Directgov Jobseekers

DadTalk logo

DadTalk online

Parentline Plus logo

Parentline Plus

Becta/Home Access logo

Becta/Home Access

Hampshire County Council

Hampshire Local Authority

DCSF logo

Information for families

1 Big Database logo

1bigdatabase

Birmingham City Council logo

Birmingham Local Authority

York Local Authority logo

York Local Authority




Contact information for parents and providers searching the Family Information Directory

When searching for information, if you have any of the following problems please contact your local Families Information Service (FIS) directly or call 0800 2346 346 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0800 2346 346      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to be put through to your local FIS:

  • You cannot find the  information you need  
  • You are a service  provider whose service appears to be missing from search results   
  • You are a service  provider whose information is incorrect

If you have any other query about  the information contained in the Directory, please email familyinformationdirect.directory@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk.




If you have any questions please contact your system supplier or the Family Information Directory Implementation Helpdesk on 0845 873 0132 or support.fidirectory@tribalgroup.com

The Family Information Directory Implementation helpdesk is open from 8.00am until 5.30pm, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays.

FIDy was formerly known as the Parent Know How Directory (PKHD).



(c) Tribal 2008