You are here: NAFIS Conference 2017
NAFIS Conference 2017
The NAFIS Conference 2017 took place on Monday 9 October 2017 and was sponsored by Servelec HSC and Focusgov.
The annual NAFIS Conference is a platform for Family Information Services to connect with key policy makers, civil servants and leaders in the early years field.
Summary of the day
We were delighted to welcome delegates and speakers to the NAFIS Conference 2017.
The morning began with speakers from government departments providing an update on the childcare agenda. The Department for Education was represented by Jack Thomlinson, who gave an update on the 30 hours childcare offer and Sarah Radford from HM Revenue and Customs provided information on tax free childcare. The two speakers then hosted a very insightful question and answer session which allowed our delegates to get their questions on the childcare agenda answered. Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation then shared advice on helping parents on their journey out of poverty. The morning was then concluded with Laura Bunt from Citizens Advice, who shared guidance on improving customers online journey.
The afternoon saw delegates choose from a trio of workshops. These included understanding parents’ rights in the workplace, led by Working Families. Contact also ran a workshop on navigating the SEND maze and Dr Gillian Paull from Frontier Economics gave a presentation on the findings of the 30 hours free childcare early rollout evaluation.
Dr Gillian Paull delivering the 30 hours evaluation workshop 
NAFIS delegates sharing best practice 
Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard from Joseph Rowntree Foundation helping parents on their journey out of poverty 
Parent Champions staff and YDC exhibiting at NAFIS Conference 2017 
Ellen Broomé welcoming delegates to NAFIS Conference 2017 
Chair Phillip Ryan addressing delegates at NAFIS Conference 2017 
NSPCC among exhibitors at NAFIS Conference 2017 
Networking during lunch break at NAFIS Conference 2017 
Laura Bunt from Citizen's Advice speaking about online journeys
What our attendees said about the conference
NAFIS Conference 2016
Ahead of the rollout of 30 hours and tax free childcare, delegates had the opportunity to discuss the changes with key civil servants.
About NAFIS
The National Association of Family Information Services (NAFIS) is a national membership organisation meeting the needs of local Family Information Services and providing a national framework, quality standards and best practice. Set up in 1992 and operated by the Family and Childcare Trust, the majority of Family Information Services in England are members of NAFIS.
For any enquiries please contact Megan Jarvie, Head of Policy, megan@familyandchildcaretrust.org or 0207 940 7521.
