Parenting Services from Flying Start Luton

During these unusual times, Flying Start are not able to run the parenting classes that we normally run for Luton parents with an under 5 in the family.

A reminder that all Luton parents and carers are able to access FREE online courses at www.inourplace.co.uk using access code HATTERS and your Luton postcode.

We can also offer information over the telephone on a range of parenting topics including behaviour, communication and infant feeding. If parents would like to chat to someone, you can call or text:-
Sue Bugden, Flying Start Parenting Co-ordinator on 07501722556. Alternatively, you can email : FlyingStartParenting@luton.gov.uk

Sue, working with the whole Flying Start team, will try to ensure the right person in the Flying Start team gets in touch to support your particular query.

Please note:

The Flying Start parenting helpline will be open Monday to Friday between 10 am and 3 pm. Not available on bank holidays or weekends. If the line is busy, please leave a message and we call you back as soon as we are able to.

This is not an emergency helpline number. If you need emergency support, please visit www.luton.gov.uk whose website is updated regularly with information on all services in Luton.

Professionals- Please complete the Flying Start service request form giving clear details of your assessment of their parenting needs and send to the relevant Flying Start neighbourhood (as indicated on the form). The neighbourhood manager will then allocate the family to telephone support via their team of family workers

We offer courses and workshops for parents in Luton* to promote positive, nurturing and responsive parenting

Please click on the questions and services below to find out more!

Are these courses right for me?

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or just curious to know more about the parenting journey- yes!

Parents from a wide range of backgrounds and communities have benefited from attending our courses

Please note:

Our courses are for all parents/carers living in Luton who have an under 5 in the family

Parents/carers should be living with their children or having regular contact with them

Who will be there?

There are usually 8-12 other parents/carers on a course

Two facilitators/group leaders who have undergone training in the course they are delivering.

There will be trained early years creche workers to provide the free creche available with most of our courses.

What do I have to do?

As courses are designed to get you thinking about your own experiences and parenting style you need to be willing to join in

You need to try to attend all the sessions of a course

Make time to try out new skills between sessions at home – parents who manage this get more out of attending the course

If you don’t have someone to look after your child whilst you attend, you need to book a creche place.

You must let us know if you no longer need the creche place so it can be offered to others.

All Flying Start Programmes provide

A safe place to share views and to be listened to

An opportunity for respectful discussions on bringing up children

New skills to help increase your confidence as a parent

A chance to make new friends in your local area

A certificate of attendance* or completion

*you must attend 50% of the course to receive a certificate of attendance and at least 70% to get a certificate of completion

What topics do these courses cover?

How to build stronger relationships between you and your child

How to put boundaries in place and giving choices and consequences

Why routines and fair family rules are important

How to create relaxed family meal times

How to stay calm and how that helps your child

How giving praise links to emotional wellbeing

How different parenting styles affect the way we discipline children

Which course would be best for you?

I am worried that our family life is not as healthy as it could be

HENRY will cover topics on nutrition and lifestyles to get your family on track

I am really struggling with my child’s behaviour

INCREDIBLE YEARS builds over the weeks showing how time spent playing with your child builds the relationship, builds their confidence and reduces the need for discipline

I would like to feel family life was happier and more balanced

NURTURING PROGRAMME looks at how to have an emotionally healthy family life

I have young children and would just like to be sure I’m doing things right

PARENTING PUZZLE series of workshops are ideal to cover the basics of our longer courses and may be all you need

I am worried about how our home environment or outside influences are affecting my ability to parent

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES explores cultural beliefs and values, how these shape you as a parent including experiences involving drugs, alcohol and violence

I cannot attend daytime courses

Flying Start are offering a free Understanding your child online programme that you can complete in the comfort of your own home, at times that suit you. If there is the demand we also some of our daytime courses at evenings – please let us know if that’s what you would like.

Take 5 Café

for antenatal to 6 months