The Nurturing Programme

Children are rewarding, stimulating and fun, however looking after them can be stressful and challenging.

The Nurturing Programme helps you deal with those challenges so that you can have a calmer, happier family life. A tried and tested programme for parents, it helps us think about what we do, why we do it and how it makes us feel.

You can read more about Family Links, who developed the programme here

What does the course cover?

  • Helping you understand why children behave as they do

  • Recognising the feelings behind behaviour (our own behaviour as well as theirs!)

  • Exploring different approaches to discipline

  • Finding ways to develop co-operation and self-discipline in your children

  • The importance of looking after ourselves as parents and carers

Feedback from parents who were part of previous groups

I was afraid of coming and finding out I wasn’t good enough as a parent, but instead I’ve realised we’ve all got strengths and weaknesses. I’ve got some strengths to share with others and they’ve got other strengths to share with me.”

What’s changing in our family? We’ve started to play together more, our routines are going better, and we’re laughing - we’ve got alot of laughter in us now - whereas before things were quite uptight. The programme’s helped me keep calm in situations where before I would just shout it out. I feel more like the dad I want to be”

This course has lifted me up and its been good for me as well as my children. It’s given me the confidence to think about myself and what I want to do with my life and to try new things. I feel I’m moving forward.”

What to expect

There is a welcome week where you meet the group leaders and other parents taking part, find out more about the course and ask any questions you may have. For those using the crèche, it is also helpful for getting your child settled before the course starts.

There are 10 weekly sessions, 2.5-hours each including tea/coffee break

Usually 8-10 parents/carers are invited led by two trained group leaders.

You should try to come to all ten weekly sessions as the programme fits together like a puzzle. Sessions are term time only.

It’s fine to come on your own or with a partner, and you can also come with another relative or friend – just mention this when you book your place..

Crèche

A FREE crèche is provided for your children but please book their place. If you haven’t used a crèche before, speak with our team about how best to prepare your child for the crèche experience.

Dates/Times/Locations:

Our next group starts: Autumn 2023*

Please contact us to book on - We look forward to welcoming YOU!

Call 02079871949 and ask for Sara or Joanna to find out more, ask questions and book on


The course has made me think about myself, how I am and how that affects the children. We’re going through a stressful time and if I wasn’t doing this programme I’d probably be taking it out on the kids.”

I’m so much calmer as a parent now. Before I did the course I used to think I was a very bad parent because I wasn’t pushing my kids in the way that I grew up with. But doing the course, listening to other parents, I’ve realised that my expectations of my son were too high. I’m much more relaxed with him now.”

This course has made me realise I need to work on my own self-esteem, so I can help my children with theirs.”

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