Families project wins innovation award

A project devised by Derby City Council’s Families Information Service has won an award for innovation.

Derby Families Information Service was named Most Innovative FIS at the National Families Information Service Awards, in recognition of its 52 Things To Do Before You’re 5 project.

The NAFIS Awards are an annual event designed to recognise the excellent work of Family Information Services around the country and to celebrate their remarkable contributions to local communities.

52 Things To Do Before You’re 5 was launched in January for families in Derby city with children under five years old by the city council’s Families Information Service, in partnership with Derby’s Children’s Centres.

Parents and carers can sign up for a free start-up pack, which includes a booklet of activities and a poster where families can track their progress.

Each page in the booklet suggests a free or very low-cost activity for the week, to do either indoors or outdoors.

Councillor John Whitby, the city council’s cabinet member for children’s social care, learning and skills, said: “It’s fantastic news that Derby FIS has been recognised with this award.

“The 52 Things project is a fantastic free resource that support parents with their child’s development while providing hours of fun.”