Help us improve Slough's Information and Services Guide

We asked residents, parents and carers, young people, professionals, childcare providers and partner organisations to tell us about their experiences of using Slough's Information and Services Guide (FIS) and SEND Local Offer website, and how it could be improved.

The consultation ran from 14 April to 17 May 2026 through Citizen Space, alongside additional engagement activities with young people and other stakeholders. We wanted to understand:

• What information people are looking for.
• How easy it is to find information and services.
• What works well on the current website.
• What improvements should be prioritised in the future.

We received feedback from a wide range of users across both the Citizen Space consultation and targeted engagement activities. Overall, you told us that:

The website contains a lot of useful information and is an important source of support for families, children and young people. However, you also told us that improvements are needed in several key areas:

• Information can be difficult to find quickly.
• Navigation is not always intuitive.
• There is too much text on some pages.
• The search function needs to be improved.
• The website should be easier to use on mobile devices.
• More translations, accessibility features and easy-to-understand information are needed.
• Families want clearer pathways to support rather than long lists of services.
• Activities, events, childcare, SEND support and mental health support should be easier to access.
• Young people told us they would like a more engaging, visual and user-friendly experience.
• Families would like clearer information about SEND support, education, health services and what support is available before an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is needed.

The feedback also highlighted the importance of ensuring the website supports the development of Slough's Best Start in Life (Family Hubs) offer and provides a more accessible and transparent SEND Local Offer.

We have completed a detailed review of all survey responses and engagement findings and have used this feedback to shape our website transformation programme.

As a result, we have:

• Developed a comprehensive improvement plan based directly on the feedback received.
• Identified the following priorities for a new website:
  • Simpler navigation and user journeys.
  • Improved search functionality.
  • Better accessibility and translation options.
  • Mobile-first design.
  • Clearer and more concise content.
  • Easier access to activities, events and local services.
• Included plans to integrate Slough's Best Start in Life (Family Hubs) digital offer, making it easier for families to find support, activities and services through one digital front door.
• Included plans to strengthen the SEND Local Offer, including:
  • Clear SEND pathways.
  • Better information about SEN Support and early help.
  • Improved accessibility.
  • Greater transparency about processes, timescales and available support.
• Used the consultation findings to inform our review of potential website providers and digital solutions.
• Developed a phased transformation programme, including:
• Short-term improvements (0-3 months) focused on navigation, content, accessibility and search enhancements.
• Medium-term improvements (3-6 months) focused on redesigning the website structure, integrating Family Hubs, enhancing the SEND Local Offer and improving the overall user experience.

What's Next?

We are currently evaluating website solutions and working with key stakeholders across Family Hubs, SEND, Early Help, Education and Digital Services to develop the next generation of Slough's Information and Services Guide.

The new website will aim to become a single, joined-up digital front door for children, young people and families in Slough, helping people find the right information, support and services more quickly and easily.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback and help shape the future of the service. Your views have directly influenced our plans and will continue to inform the development of the website.