Parenting Courses
At Aspire Foundation, we understand that parenting can be rewarding, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. Every family is different, and there is no one size fits all approach to raising children.
Our parenting courses provide a welcoming space where parents and carers can learn practical strategies, gain new insights into child development, and connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Whether you are looking to better understand your child's behaviour, strengthen family relationships, or improve emotional wellbeing, our courses offer supportive, evidence based guidance to help you feel more confident in your parenting journey.
Delivered by trained practitioners across our Children and Family Centres in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, our courses form part of the wider Early Help offer in Gloucestershire and are designed to be accessible, practical, and supportive for local families.
We currently offer two parenting programmes: the Togetherness Parenting Programme, based on the nationally recognised Solihull Approach, and the SPACE Programme (Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally).
Join a Future Parenting Course
Our parenting courses run throughout the year across Aspire Foundation Children and Family Centres. If a course has already started, you can still register your interest for the next available programme.
We regularly offer evidence based parenting courses designed to help parents and carers better understand their child's development, strengthen family relationships, and build confidence in managing everyday challenges.
To find out about upcoming course dates or to join a waiting list for the next programme, please complete the relevant referral form or contact our team. We will be happy to discuss which course may be most suitable for your family.
Togetherness Parenting Programme (The Solihull Approach)
The Togetherness Parenting Programme is based on the nationally recognised Solihull Approach and supports parents and carers of children aged 0 to 11 years. The programme focuses on strengthening relationships, understanding children's emotional needs, and building confidence in responding to behaviour in positive and effective ways.
By exploring what sits behind children's behaviour, parents and carers are supported to develop a deeper understanding of their child's emotions, development, and communication. The course encourages reflection, practical learning, and opportunities to share experiences with other parents in a supportive environment.
Parents and carers often attend the course to:
• Build stronger relationships with their child
• Better understand behaviour and emotional development
• Learn practical strategies for everyday challenges
• Support their child's emotional wellbeing
• Increase confidence in their parenting approach
The programme is built around three key Solihull principles: containment, reciprocity, and behaviour management. Together, these principles help parents understand emotions, strengthen communication, and develop positive family relationships.
What You'll Learn
The programme is delivered over nine weekly sessions and covers topics including:
• Understanding your child's world
• Building connection and communication
• Exploring emotions and behaviour
• Parenting styles and approaches
• Managing challenging behaviour
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Sleep and routine
• Building resilience and confidence
Sessions are informal, supportive, and interactive, creating opportunities for parents and carers to reflect on their experiences while learning practical tools that can be used at home.
Many families tell us that the course helps them feel more connected to their child and more confident in their parenting.
Register Your Interest
If you would like to join a future Togetherness Parenting Programme, please complete one of the forms below and return it to referrals@aspirefoundation.org.uk
SPACE Programme (Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally)
The SPACE Programme is a five week course designed for parents, carers and children aged 7 to 11 years. It focuses on emotional wellbeing, resilience, and strengthening the connection between children and the adults who care for them.
The programme is based on the understanding that our early experiences help shape how we see ourselves, manage emotions, respond to challenges, and build relationships with others. By exploring these experiences in a safe and supportive environment, families can gain a better understanding of their emotions and learn practical ways to strengthen relationships and improve wellbeing.
SPACE provides opportunities for both children and adults to develop new skills, build confidence, and improve communication. Through discussion, activities, and reflection, families are supported to recognise emotional triggers, understand behaviour, and develop strategies that can be used in everyday life.
As trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk said, "The parent child connection is the most powerful mental health intervention in the world." The SPACE Programme places this relationship at the heart of everything it does.
How the SPACE Programme Works
The programme runs over five weeks and includes separate sessions for parents and carers and for children aged 7 to 11 years. This allows both adults and children to explore similar themes in age appropriate ways while learning skills that can be used together at home.
Throughout the programme, families will have the opportunity to:
• Better understand emotions and emotional triggers
• Build resilience and confidence
• Strengthen communication and relationships
• Develop calming and coping strategies
• Learn healthy ways to manage stress and big feelings
• Improve emotional wellbeing as a family
Parents and carers often tell us that the programme helps them feel more connected to their child, more confident in supporting their emotional needs, and better equipped to manage challenges together.
Find Out more About SPACE
SPACE Course Details
If you would like to find out more about the programme or discuss whether it may be suitable for your family, please contact:
📧 Holly.Russell@aspirefoundation.org.uk
Which Course Is Right for Me?
Both Solihull and SPACE offer valuable support, but they meet different needs:
Choose Solihull if you want:
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A broad understanding of child development
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Strategies for everyday parenting challenges
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Support for children aged 0–11
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A reflective, relationship‑focused approach
Choose SPACE if you want:
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Support specifically for children aged 7–11
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A programme that includes both parent and child sessions
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Help with emotional regulation and resilience
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A deeper understanding of emotional responses
If you’re unsure, our team can help you decide which course best suits your family’s needs.
A Supportive, Welcoming Environment
All our parenting courses are delivered in a warm, inclusive environment where parents and carers can:
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Share experiences
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Learn new skills
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Build confidence
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Connect with others
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Feel supported and understood
We know that taking the first step can feel daunting, but families consistently tell us that these courses make a real difference to their confidence, wellbeing, and relationships.