Who can download the source code?

Anyone. However it requires technical expertise to be able to install, set up and run the Directory and Aggregator.

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 What can the code be used for?

The code will allow developers to design and implement their own version of the Directory and Aggregator.

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 What about the data on the old Family Information Directory?

From 31 March 2011 the original Aggregator no longer accepted uploads or searches and all data was securely deleted.

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 How can anyone start a new version of a national directory of childcare and family services?

Organisations wishing to create their own implementation will need to contact local authorities and request their data feed.

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 What do the local authorities need to do?

Should a local authority wish to provide their data they will need to add the organisation’s URL to their list of aggregators they upload to. Software vendors should be able to help.

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 How does open sourcing affect local authority vendor systems?

Open sourcing the Directory has no direct impact on local authority vendor systems.

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 What impact does open sourcing have on Ofsted’s provision of information to LAs?

None. Ofsted will continue to provide childcare data to local authorities as now.

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 Where do the original Directory channels fit in to the open source model?

Channels have a choice, they can partner with an organisation which sets up their own implementation to receive data via either the Web Page Tool Kit or the API. Alternatively channels may wish to set up their own implementation.

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 Who do I contact if I have a question about the source code components, documentation or vocabulary?

The Directory and aggregator code is being open sourced and made freely available therefore no help or assistance will be provided by the Department. Knowledge Integration own the core software.

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 How do I contact local authorities to discuss data feeds?

Responsibility for this is with organisations that wish to set up their own implementation. A list of local authorities is available on the Directgov local authority finder, which can be accessed via a link in the associated resources section on the right-hand side of this page.

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 Will any national support be made available to those who wish to develop an aggregator or to local authorities to work with new operators?

The Department will not be providing support for the software as it is being made available on an open source basis. As with other open source software, it is likely that a developer community will emerge to share expertise on aggregator development. Any new aggregator operator may decide to provide support with their implementation and this is one of the areas LAs may wish to look at when assessing any proposals.

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 How long does it take to set up an aggregator?

From 10-15 days, depending on the resources and technical expertise available. 

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 What work will LAs have to undertake?

LAs may need to make changes to their local systems to connect with their chosen aggregator service/s. 

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 Will there be any control over who uses the code/will it be possible to stop anyone from using it?

The source code is publicly available for anyone to use. The information/data originally published in the Directory is not included, just the code. It is for LAs to decide to which organisations they want to provide data. LAs will be responsible for managing their information and ensuring it is suitable for publication as they did with the original directory system.

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 Where will control of the schemas sit?

Control will be with the open source aggregator developer and user community. The developer and user community will need to collaborate on any changes to the schemas.

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 With whom can interested parties collaborate?

Whoever they choose.

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 Will LAs have to make local arrangements for data aggregation?

LAs can make arrangements locally, regionally, nationally or not at all depending on what they decide best meets the needs of their local community.

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 Whose responsibility will it be to ensure that no confidential or sensitive information is published by any new Directory operators?

A local authority that chooses to provide data to any new operator will have control of the information they provide – as they did with the original Family Information Directory. 

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 Will the Department help organisations to navigate negotiating with LAs?

No, the Department will not be providing support. Potential aggregator operators may choose to approach LAs directly, through LA regional FIS co-ordinators, vendors or the National Association of Family Information Services (NAFIS) for example.

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