A NATIONAL quality award has been earned by a family service for Poole which had to meet stringent standards.

The Poole Family Information Service (FIS) has been awarded the National Association of Family Information Services, Families First Quality Award.

To gain the award, the Borough of Poole service had to meet 10 challenging standards and demonstrate how it meets and exceeds statutory requirements in providing information and guidance to parents, prospective parents and carers, children and young people.

Poole FIS provides information, advice and assistance about childcare, activities, family services, children’s centres, schools, health, and a range of other services for parents, families and professionals.

This is done through an online directory, over the phone, face-to-face and a wide range of digital services.

Cllr Peter Adams, mayor of Poole, said: “I am delighted that Poole Family Information Service has been recognised for its excellent work and is being held up nationally as an example of best practice. This award is certainly something to be proud of and I’d like to congratulate the team on their achievement.”

Assessors were impressed by the online directory and with how FIS uses Facebook and Twitter to engage with an increasing number of local families.

Cllr Janet Walton, said she hoped collaboration with early years providers and private and voluntary sector services would increase.

“We know that many local families place trust in the FIS to help with a wide range of information and advice, and this award will only serve to increase this,” she said.

The award was presented to Carole Ward, information and communication manager for children, young people and learning, by Anthony Ellison from NAFIS.