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.
for antenatal to 6 months
0 to 18 years
for breastfeeding mothers/partners
ahead of starting solids at 6 months
6 months to 4 years
6 months to 5 years
2 to 3 years
2 to 5 years
3 to 6 years
3 to 11 years
CAMHS are running events for parents/carers of children with emotional and mental health needs. Please see posters below for more information:
CAMHS Events for parents of children who are suffering bereavement
CAMHS Events for parents of children with low mood, self harm and suicide
Early Years Alliance are running a virtual 5- week postnatal course for new parents called Being Together, My Baby and Me
plus a family learning 5-week course called Let’s Learn Together @ Home
*Please note if your address is close to Luton but is technically under Central Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire council you will not be able to book our free course (e.g. Slip End, Caddington, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, Kensworth etc.) There are other free services available in other areas, please contact the council you pay your taxes to for more information.
For more information or assistance, call Flying Start on 01582 548356 or email flyingstartparenting@luton.gov.uk