Supporting Children and Families across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury

Aspire Foundation provides Early Years education, Children and Family Centres, and family support services across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.

We operate five Children and Family Centres at Gardners Lane, Hesters Way, Noah’s Ark, Oakwood, and Brockworth, alongside nurturing Early Years settings at Gardners Lane, Hesters Way, Noah’s Ark, Oakwood, and Rowanfield.

We work closely with the NHS, local councils and community partners to offer free and affordable children’s activities, baby hubs, stay‑and‑play groups, antenatal and perinatal support, and welcoming sessions for new mums, new dads and carers. Each centre provides a safe, inclusive space where families can access guidance, connect with others and find practical help during pregnancy, early parenthood and the vital early years. Through community events, targeted family support and partnership‑led programmes, we help children and families thrive.

Our team is always happy to talk if you would like to learn more about our services or explore partnership opportunities.

 Children and Family Centres | Early Years settings

Children’s Activities & Family Support at Our Family Centres

Our centres run a wide range of activities for children, new parents, dads, carers and SEND families throughout the week. From baby hubs and stay‑and‑play sessions to parenting groups, SEND‑friendly activities and community events, there’s always something happening across our five Children and Family Centres. To see everything coming up and find what’s on near you, visit our What’s On page.

Family Support Services

Aspire Foundation delivers a comprehensive range of family support as part of Gloucestershire’s Early Help offer. We aim to identify challenges early and provide practical, emotional and coordinated support that prevents needs from escalating.

Family Support Workers (FSWs) FSWs offer direct support to children and families, helping with parenting, routines, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and accessing specialist services. They work alongside families to agree goals, coordinate agencies and ensure every family member’s needs are understood and supported. Regular Coffee & chat drop‑in sessions allow parents and carers to speak to a Family Support Worker for advice and signposting.

Community Family Workers (CFWs) CFWs support families from the earliest stages, helping parents attend groups and activities, encouraging children’s social and emotional development, and offering 1:1 support at home. They provide guidance on sleep, routines, weaning, toilet training, behaviour and more, and are present in many of our groups to offer friendly, practical advice.

How to Access Support Parents, carers and professionals can request help through Gloucestershire’s Early Help Front Door. Families can also speak directly to a Family Support Worker at our drop‑in sessions or contact a nearest centre for advice.

Partnerships That Strengthen Our Community

Aspire Foundation works collaboratively with a wide range of partners to deliver joined‑up support for families. These include Gloucestershire County Council, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Borough Councils, NHS midwifery teams, health visitors, schools, Home‑Start, CCP, Dad Matters, SALT, Young Carers and many other voluntary and community organisations.

We are proud to be part of Gloucestershire’s Family Hubs development, aligning services to make access easier and more effective for families.

Early Years Education

Aspire Foundation provides nurturing Early Years education at four centres in Cheltenham and one in Tewkesbury. Our settings are warm, welcoming and staffed by highly trained practitioners who specialise in developing children’s communication and language skills.

We offer stimulating indoor and outdoor play‑based learning linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with each child supported by a dedicated key person. Our environments promote independence, belonging and wellbeing, ensuring children are ready for school when the time comes. All settings are accessible and inclusive of children with disabilities or additional needs.

Funded places are available for 2‑, 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds, with extended 30‑hour entitlement for eligible working parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What support do Family Support Workers provide?

Family Support Workers offer practical and emotional help for families experiencing challenges at home or in daily life. They work alongside parents and carers to set goals, build routines, and strengthen family relationships. They can also support children directly and help families access specialist services when needed. Drop‑in sessions are available for quick advice and signposting.

What is Early Help and how do I access it?

Early Help is a countywide approach designed to identify challenges early and provide support before problems escalate. Families, carers or professionals can request support through Gloucestershire’s Early Help Front Door. You can also speak to a Family Support Worker at one of our centres for guidance on whether Early Help is right for your family.

Do you offer SEND‑friendly activities?

Yes. Our centres provide inclusive, accessible activities for children with SEND and their families. We work closely with specialist partners, including Speech and Language Therapy and local autism support groups, to ensure children receive the right support.

All our Early Years settings are fully accessible and equipped to meet a wide range of needs.

What support is available for new parents and dads?

We offer baby hubs, stay‑and‑play groups, parenting courses and friendly drop‑ins where new parents can get advice and meet others. We also run dedicated support for dads through Dad Matters Gloucestershire, including dad‑only Stay ’n’ Play sessions and mental health and wellbeing groups. These sessions provide a safe space to ask questions, share experiences and build confidence.

How do I join a parenting course?

Parenting courses run regularly across our centres and are open to parents, carers and guardians. You can speak to a Family Support Worker, ask at your local centre, contact us, or check our What’s On page for upcoming dates. Some courses may require booking, while others are open for drop‑in attendance.

What Early Years funding is available?

All children receive 15 hours of funded Early Education from the term after their 3rd birthday. Some 2‑year‑olds may qualify for Achieving Two‑Year‑Old (A2YO) funding, depending on family circumstances. Eligible 2‑, 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds may also access the extended 30‑hour entitlement for working parents. Eligibility can be checked and applications made through the Gloucestershire Citizen Portal or the national childcare eligibility checker.