Children's Directory Help

Contact

Contact Children's Information Services

E-mail Children's Information Service
t: 020 7527 5959
Children's Services
Laycock Street
London, N1 1TH

The Directories online webpage has many parts to help navigate and find the information.

A. The user interface shows you where you are, indicating the name of the specific directory you are browsing. The menu on the left hand side allows the quick navigation between other directories of interest.

B. Use the breadcrumb on the page to move around the directories. You have the choice of moving to the start or moving to a point in-between.

The user interface has many options to help find information. The sections include the A to Z index area, the free text searching.

C. The search facility allows searching for a specific word contained in an article. The word can be contained in the title, or any surrounding text of the article. To improve searching try use specific words to reduce the results returned.

D. To use the A to Z index, select a letter to open the details of a piece of information starting with that letter in it’s title. All pages will include the access to the A to Z index.

Open an item by clicking on the links to get more information. The last page will provide the most information.

To return to the previous page use the back button on the browser.

E. The menu on the right hand side provides access links related to the directory being browsed. The links will allow access to contact details, and links to other areas on the website.

F. This red boxed area shows links to information in the directory. Some directories show categories of directory information as the default view.

How to use the Children's Directory

The directory is designed for children, young people, parents or carers, and the professionals who work with them.

It tells you what services are available to Islington residents and how to access them. We are always looking for ways to improve the directory and welcome your comments and suggestions.

Q: Which services are included?

A: The directory lists all services that may help children, young people and families, whether they are provided by statutory agencies or by voluntary organisations. Most services are local to Islington but we also include many regional and national helplines as well as links to useful websites.

Q: What kind of information does the directory provide?

A: The directory does not just list contact details. For most services we give you lots of useful information about what services do, whom they are for and how to make a referral. We also include practical information such as opening hours, languages spoken, waiting lists and much more. For some services you can also download information leaflets, as well as application and referral forms. Look out for the links.

Q: How do I find the information I want?

A: On the front page you will find 23 needs-based categories which will direct you to the services you require. If you cannot find the service you are looking for, try entering your own keyword or phrase into the search section at the top of each page. The directory recognises several hundred keywords. At the bottom of each service entry there is also a list of suggested keywords which will take you to a list of similar services and related weblinks. If your keyword search doesn’t provide the results you need, try using the freetext search available at the top of each page.

Q: How can I refine my search?

A: If the directory returns too many results, try refining your search by specific postcode area, children's centre area or SureStart area. You can also refine your search by ISA level. These are a way for professionals to categorise services according to the level of needs they are suitable for. Universal services are for all children. The other levels are for children with particular needs ranging from Level 1 to Level 3 (complex needs).

Q: How can I find the location of a service?

A: For all local services you have the option to ‘Show the location on a map’. We also advise you how to get there by public transport.

Q: How do I print out the information?

A: It is easy to print from the directory using the ‘Print this record’ button at the bottom of each listing. You can also print off all of your search results in one go, simply by clicking ‘Print all contacts’ on the search results page.

Q: Where can I get online?

A: You can get online at your local library. They will also provide equipment to enable visually impaired people to use the internet.

Q: We would like to add our service to the directory. Who should we contact?

A: If your organisation is missing and you would like to register please complete this simple online form and send it to us. Don’t forget, you can send us your online leaflets and referral forms too.

Q: How is the directory kept up to date?

A: The directory is jointly maintained by the Children’s Information Service and Contact Islington. We update all listings at least once every six months, but if you have found a page that needs updating please email us at childrens.directory@islington.gov.uk.

Q: Who can I speak to about the Children’s Directory?

A: All the information in this directory is available over the phone from the Children’s Information Service, 020 7527 5959. We may also be able to give advice in other languages. Call us for more information.

Q: I would like to find out more about the directory and how it was set up.

A: The Children's Directory was developed within Ask Islington as part of Islington’s Information Sharing and Assessment (ISA) programme to facilitate joint-working by professionals. It is a joint initiative by the Children’s Information Service, the Children and Families Service, CEA@Islington, E-Government, Islington Primary Care Trust and the Islington Safeguarding Children Board. For information about this project please contact Nicky Hirsch.