Up for top award

The 'Partners in Excellence Awards', organised by the Daycare Trust on behalf of the SureStart Unit recognise 'excellence and innovation' in children's and families' services across England.

KITES has been short-listed from hundreds of applicants for providing information and advice on childcare and other family support services. It has one of the highest levels of satisfaction among its users in the country '“ 97% would recommend the service and 90% were successful in finding the service they needed with KITES' help.

Councillor Rupert Simmons, Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness, welcomed the recognition for KITES' work saying: 'We are very proud of this service and the team's achievements. They always go the extra mile and have worked extremely hard with service providers to make sure their information is accurate and available to parents. They were the first local authority Children's Information Service to achieve a government endorsed national quality award for the service they provide and consistently exceed government standards.'

KITES provides information via its link on the national website, phone, drop-in and email on family services including childminders, nurseries, playgroups, after school clubs and playschemes. It holds information on over 400 local groups providing services and support for families and children in East Sussex. Demands on its services have increased rapidly over the seven years since it was established.

The final winners of the 'Partners in Excellence Awards' will be announced at a reception in London on December 4th.

KITES is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am'“6pm, most Wednesdays and Saturday 9am'“12.30pm.

Tel: 08456 010777

Web: ChildcareLink.