Flying Start Groups / Services2023-10-04T10:35:23+00:00

Flying Start Luton Timetable

Click below to download the:

  • Flying Start Timetable– September to October 2023(15 September to 21 October)
  • FS Maintained Nursery Stay and Play Timetable (Term time only- Rothesay Start date TBC *on hold*)
  • Baby Self Weigh Timetable (webpage)
  • Please note:
    • *Booking is required for some groups to guarantee a place. DROP IN’ means you do not need to book but there is risk of being turned away
    • All sessions in a centre are £1 (Except Bush Babies which is £3.50 due to venue hire and snack and Baby Massage (£2) due to resources used)
      • From September we will now have a card machine available for those without cash
    • Sessions are subject to change depending on staffing- please call/email to confirm
    • You can click on the pink titles for more info and/or to book directly on our online booking system (Dad’s group, Antenatal Groups and Event

UPCOMING ORAL HEALTH DENTAL POP UP CLINICS:

  • Thursday 26 October 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Park Town Centre
  • Wednesday 22 November 1pm to 4.30pm at Luton Central Library

Timetable Colour Key:
PINK: Foxcubs YELLOW: Park Town GREEN: Pastures Way PURPLE: Hockwell Ring ORANGE: CYCD BLUE: Online on ZOOM WHITE: Other venues!

MONDAY

Breastfeeding Café (Drop in)

for pregnant and breastfeeding parents

Baby Weighing (Drop in)

for under 2 years

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

@ CYCD– LU4 8HZ

Every week

TUESDAY

Baby Weighing (Drop In)

for under 2 years

Time: 9.15am to 11.15am

@ Farley Community Centre– LU1 5RE

Every week

WEDNESDAY

Parent Chat at Leagrave Library Rhyme Time (Drop in)

for parents of under 5s

Time: 9.30am to 10.45am

@ Leagrave Library– LU3 2NL

On the FIRST Wednesday of the month

THURSDAY

Baby Weighing (Drop in)

for under 2 years

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

@ St Francis– LU2 9JZ

Every week

FRIDAY

Breastfeeding Café (Drop in)

for pregnant and breastfeeding parents

Baby Weighing (Drop in)

for under 2s

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

@ Pastures– LU4 0PE

Every week

SATURDAY

Dad’s Saturday Group (Drop in)*

for under 8s

Time: 10am to 11.30am

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Dates: 30 Sept, 21 Oct, 25 Nov, 16 Dec

Baby Rhyme and Sign*

for parents of non walkers 3 months+

Time: 10am to 10.45am

@ Foxcubs– LU1 1TZ

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Early Days (Drop in)

for parents of under 4 months

Time: 9.30am to 10.30am

@ Farley Community Centre– LU1 5RE

Every week

Sensory Play*

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Early Days (Drop in)

for parents of under 4 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ St Francis– LU2 9JZ

Every week

Early Days (Drop in) for parents of under 4 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Pastures– LU4 0PE

Every week

Birth and Baby Stuff 1 Day Course*

for pregnant women from 28 weeks and partners

Date: 29 July, 30 Sept, 28 Oct

Time: 9.30am to 3.30pm

@ Chaul End Community Centre (LU4 8QN)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Play and Learn*

for over 1s

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Breastfeeding Café (Drop in)

for pregnant and breastfeeding parents

Time: 9.30am to 11am

@ Farley Community Centre– LU1 5RE

Every week

Little Explorers*

for 1 to 2 years (mobile)

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Foxcubs– LU1 1TZ

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Bush Babies (Drop In)

for under 5s

Time: 10am to 11.30am

@ Bushmead Hub– LU2 7SF

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays and 19th October)

£3.50 for this group– first come first served

Play and Learn*

for over 1s

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Stay and Play (Drop in) £2 a family

for under 3s

Time: 1.15pm to 2.45pm

@ Olive Tree Church– LU3 1HB

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays) from 25 Sept

Sensory play (Drop In)

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 11am

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

@ Pastures– LU4 0PE

Sensory Play*

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 10.30am to 11.30am (10am start from November)

@ CYCD– LU4 8HZ

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Parent Chat at Marsh Farm Library Rhyme Time (Drop in)

for parents of under 5s

Time: 10am to 10.30am

@ Marsh Farm Library– LU3 3TL

On the LAST Thursday of the month

Baby Rhyme and Sign*

for parents of non walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 10.45am

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every week

BOOKING REQUIRED

Baby Massage 5 Wk Course* (£10 per family)

for parents of under 6 months

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Foxcubs

Dates: 18 Sept to 16 Oct

BOOKING REQUIRED

Sensory play*

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Foxcubs– LU1 1TZ

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Keeping Baby Safe Workshop on Zoom*

for expecting & new parents (< 3 months)

Date: 13 Sept

Time: 12pm to 2pm

BOOKING REQUIRED

Early Days (Drop in)

for parents of under 4 months

Time: 10.30am to 11.30am

@ Foxcubs– LU1 1TZ

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

Little Explorers*

for 1 to 2 years (mobile)

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays) from 11th September

BOOKING REQUIRED

Little Explorers*

for 1 to 2 years (mobile)

Time: 10.45am to 11.45am

@ Farley Community Centre– LU1 5RE

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Parenting Workshops on Zoom

Time: 1pm to 2.30pm

11/10- Behaviour (2+)

18/10- Starting Solids (3-6 months)

1/11- Fussy Eating (over 1s)

8/11- Starting Solids Next Steps (6-12 months)

15/11- Illnesses

6/12- Starting Solids (3-6 months)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Keeping Baby Safe Workshop on Zoom*

for expecting & new parents (< 3 months)

Date: 30 Nov

Time: 4pm to 6pm

BOOKING REQUIRED

Sensory play for under 1s*

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

@ Chantry– LU4 0RH

BOOKING REQUIRED

HENRY Healthy Lifestyles 8-Week Course*

for parents of 6 months to 5 years

Date: 26 Sept to 28 Nov

Time: 1pm to 2.30pm

BOOKING REQUIRED

Baby Weighing (Drop in)

for under 2 years

Time: 1pm to 3pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

Bump Early Pregnancy 3- Week Course on Zoom*

for pregnant women and partners (based for 1st/2nd trimester)

Date: 10 to 24 Oct

Time: 1pm to 2pm

BOOKING REQUIRED

Early Days (Drop in)

for parents of under 4 months

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

Play and Learn*

for over 1s

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Play and Learn*

for over 1s

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Little Explorers*

for 1 to 2 years (mobile)

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Park Town- LU1 3DU

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Mindful Tots

for over 2s

Time: 1.45pm to 2.30pm

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

@ Chantry– LU4 0RH

Birth and Baby Stuff 3 Week Course*

for pregnant women from 28 weeks and partners

Date: 7th to 21st November

Time: 5pm to 7pm

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

BOOKING REQUIRED

Birth and Baby Stuff 3 Week Course*

for pregnant women from 28 weeks and partners

Date: 5th to 19th December

Time: 5pm to 7pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

BOOKING REQUIRED

MONDAY

Breastfeeding Café and Parent Baby Self-Weighing (Drop in)

for pregnant parents-to-be, breastfeeding parents and parents with under 2s (weighing)

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

@ CYCD– LU4 8HZ

Every week

Baby Weighing (Drop in)

for under 2s

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

@ St Francis– LU2 9JZ

Every week

Early Days (Drop in)

for parents of 0 to 4 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ St Francis– LU2 9JZ

Every week

Play and Learn *

for over 1s

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

Parent Chat at Leagrave Library Rhyme Time (DROP IN) for parents of under 5s

Time: 9.30am to 10.45am

@ Leagrave Library– LU3 2NL

On the FIRST Wednesday of the month starting 1/3/23

Sensory Play*

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 10.30am to 11.30am (10am start from November)

@ CYCD- LU4 8HZ

Every week (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Baby Weighing (Drop in)

for under 2s

Time: 1pm to 3pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every Week

Early Days (Drop in)

for parents of 0 to 4 months

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every Week

Parent Chat at Marsh Farm Library Rhyme Time (DROP IN) for parents of under 5s

Time: 9.30am to 10.45am

@ Marsh Farm Library– LU3 3TL

On the LAST Thursday of the month starting 23/2/23

Baby Rhyme and Sign*

for non walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 10.45am

@ Foxcubs– LU1 1TZ

Every week (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

Baby Rhyme and Sign*

for non walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 10.45am

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every week

HENRY Healthy Lifestyles 8-Week Course*

for parents of 6 months to 5 years

Date: 26 Sept to 28 Nov

Time: 1pm to 2.30pm

BOOKING REQUIRED

TUESDAY

Baby Weighing (Drop in)

for under 2s

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

@ Farley Community Centre– LU1 5RE

Every Week

Early Days (Drop in)

for parents of 0 to 4 months

Time: 9.30am to 10.30am

@ Farley Community Centre– LU1 5RE

Every Week

Sensory Play*

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Foxcubs– LU1 1TZ

Every week (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Early Days (drop in)

for parents of 0 to 4 months

Time: 10.30am to 11.30am

@ Foxcubs– LU1 1TZ

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays)

Play and Learn*

for over 1s

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every Week (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Stay and Play (Drop in) £2 a family

for under 3s

Time: 1.15pm to 2.45pm

@ Olive Tree Church- LU3 1HB

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays) from 25 Sept

Little Explorers*

for 1 to 2 years (mobile)

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

Every Week (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Baby Massage 5 Week Course- £10 per family*

for parents of under 6 months

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Foxcubs- LU1 1TZ

Dates: 18 Sept to 16 Oct

BOOKING REQUIRED

Sensory Play*

for non walkers over 3 months

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@Chantry Community Hub– LU4 0RH

Every week

BOOKING REQUIRED

WEDNESDAY

Sensory Play*

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every week (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Play and Learn*

for over 1s

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every week from (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Breastfeeding Café (Drop in)

for pregnant parents-to-be and breastfeeding parents

Time: 9.30am to 11am

@ Farley Community Centre– LU1 5RE

Every week

Little Explorers*

for 1 to 2 years (mobile)

Time: 10.45am to 11.45am

@ Farley Community Centre– LU1 5RE

Every Week

BOOKING REQUIRED

Little Explorers*

for 1 to 2 years (mobile)

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every Week

BOOKING REQUIRED

Little Explorers*

for 1 to 2 years (mobile)

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Foxcubs– LU1 1TZ

Every Week

BOOKING REQUIRED

Parent Workshops on Zoom*

Time: 1pm to 2.30pm

  • 11/10- Behaviour (2+)
  • 18/10- Starting Solids (3-6 months)
  • 1/11- Fussy Eating (over 1s)
  • 8/11- Starting Solids Next Steps (6-12 months)
  • 15/11- Illnesses
  • 6/12- Starting Solids (3-6 months)

BOOKING REQUIRED

Mindful Tots (Drop in)

for over 2 years

Time: 1.45pm to 2.30pm

@Chantry Community HubLU4 0RH

Every Week

Birth and Baby Stuff 3-Week Course*

for pregnant women over 28 weeks and partners

Time: 5pm to 7pm

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

7th to 21st November

BOOKING REQUIRED

Birth and Baby Stuff 3-Week Course*

for pregnant women over 28 weeks and partners

Time: 5pm to 7pm

@ Hockwell– LU4 9LB

5th to 19th December

BOOKING REQUIRED

Bump Early Pregnancy 3-Week ZOOM Course*

for pregnant women and partners (ideally under 28 weeks)

Time: 1pm to 2pm

10th to 24th October

BOOKING REQUIRED

Birth and Baby Stuff*

for pregnant women over 28 weeks and partners

Time: 9.30am to 3.30pm (doesn’t include lunch- please bring a packed lunch!)

@ Chaul End Community Centre– LU4 8QN

30 Sept, 28 Oct, 25 Nov

BOOKING REQUIRED

Bush Babies (Drop in) *£3.50 charge*

for under 5s

Time: 10am to 11.30am

Every week (except Half Term and Holidays and 19th October)

Parenting Puzzle 4-Week Course*

for parents of 1 to 5 years

Date: 21 Sept to 12 Oct

Time: 1pm to 2.30pm

BOOKING REQUIRED

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Sensory Play (Drop in)

for non-walkers over 3 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Pastures Way

Every Week (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

Breastfeeding Café and Baby Weighing (Drop in)

for pregnant parents-to-be, breastfeeding parents and parents with under 2s (weighing)

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

@ Pastures Way

Every Week

Early Days (Drop in)

for parents of 0 to 4 months

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Pastures Way

Every Week

Play and Learn*

for over 1s

Time: 10am to 11am

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Every Week (except Half Term/ Holiday breaks)

BOOKING REQUIRED

SATURDAY

Dad’s Saturday Group (Drop in)

for under 8s

Time: 10am to 11.30am

@ Park Town– LU1 3DU

Dates: 30 Sept, 21 Oct, 25 Nov, 16 Dec

* = Booking Required

Venue addresses:

  • Flying Start in Foxcubs Nursery on Runley Road (LU1 1TZ)
  • Flying Start in Park Town Centre on Bailey Street (LU1 3DU)
  • Flying Start in Pastures Way Nursery on Pastures Way (LU4 0PE)
  • Hockwell Ring Community Centre, Mayne Ave (LU4 9LB)
  • Farley Community Centre on Delphine Close (LU1 5RE)
  • CYCD, 94-106 Leagrave Road (LU4 8HZ)
  • St Francis Church, Carteret Road (LU2 9JZ)
  • Chaul End Community Centre, 515 Dunstable Road (LU4 8QN)
  • Bushmead Hub, Hancock Drive (LU2 7SF)
  • Chantry Primary School Community Hub Building, Wedgewood Road (LU4 0RH)
  • The Olive Tree Church, 42 – 46 Blenheim Crescent (LU3 1HB)

Booking:

As well as emailing flyingstart@eyalliance.org.uk or calling 01582 368245 to book, you can also submit a parent group enquiry here

Professionals can also refer families they are working with via our online referral form here

An outline of all the services can be found below:

EXTRA: Solihull Online (e-courses for parents of children 0 to 18, including those with SEND) Visit: www.inourplace.co.uk using Access Code: HATTERS

Pregnancy Groups/ Services

Luton Bumps on Zoom: This monthly 1-hour zoom group is for women in any stage of pregnancy to ask our Midwife any questions on their mind and learn from others in the group

  • Feedback: “It was very nice to have women share similar experiences with what I am experiencing. I didn’t feel so alone or so different anymore.”

Bump, Birth and Baby Stuff

Bump (Early pregnancy): This early pregnancy programme will support you with having a healthy pregnancy and looking after yourself and bump. This 3 week online programme covers eating well for a healthy pregnancy, keeping active and getting ready for labour and looking after yourself and bonding with baby during your pregnancy. Suitable for: pregnant women and partners in the first or second trimester of pregnancy

  • Feedback: “It covers all the aspects and challenges of pregnancy, and how to cope with it.”

Birth and Baby stuff (Later pregnancy): This later pregnancy programme is for first time parents to be in the third trimester of pregnancy. The programme is delivered in person and will support you with key information around labour and birth and caring for your new-born baby, as well as providing a great opportunity to meet other parents to be. Delivered in partnership by midwives, health visitors and family workers the programme will cover labour and birth information, responsive feeding, baby’s brain development, looking after yourself and your baby. The programme runs as a 3 week course or a one day course.

  • Feedback: “All 3 sessions I felt like I had learnt something. I also had the chance to exchange numbers with some other parents, which was important to me. Staff were very friendly and I felt I could ask questions.”

Keeping Baby Safe Zoom Workshop: What every pregnant or new parent needs to know in order to keep baby safe – offered as a 2 hour online zoom group session with Safe at Home

  • Feedback: “The session was very informative and helpful for me, especially for choosing baby products. I have realised the things I thought would be safe are not safe and even bring danger to my baby. Also learned about co sleeping and bed sharing tips. Thanks for a wonderful session”

Baby Groups/Services (In Person)

Baby Massage 5- Week Course (£10) for under 6 months: Massaging your baby provides a wonderful opportunity for expressing your love, whilst meeting the need for touch and affection that is so essential for the healthy development of your baby. The benefits for your baby are: helping baby to feel securely attached, reduced crying and emotional distress, increased levels of relaxation, development of body awareness, relief from wind, colic and constipation. The benefits for you: Feeling closer to your baby, an increased understanding of your baby, feeling the relaxed benefits of giving your baby nurturing touch. The benefits of attending a class: Enjoy focused time with your baby, the opportunity to socialise in a welcoming and supportive environment and have fun whilst learning a life-long skill. Our relaxed classes include time for informal parent discussion. Massage strokes are reviewed each week and handouts are given as a reminder.

Early Days Group: for parents in the fourth trimester (from birth to 4 months) to join an informal and relaxed group for new parents with Flying Start staff on hand if you want any information or advice.

  • Feedback: “It’s an opportunity to get my baby out and around others. There is also an opportunity to have great discussions and learn new things about parenting. For example, weaning ect. As a first time parent, it a constant learning journey and it’s great to see we’re all in the same boat.”

Sensory Play: (for parents of non-walkers over 3 months as mat-based activity) This weekly hour-long face to face group encourages quality time for parents and baby- exploring various objects and using various senses

  • Feedback: “All the staff are lovely and very supportive. They also engage well with all babies and ensure that they enjoy the session.”

Parent Baby Self- Weighing: (for parents of under 2 years) Opportunity to self-weigh your baby on our scales. Please note this is not a health visitor clinic, a member of staff will be on hand to show you how to use the scales and how you can record your baby’s weight, however if you have any health concerns about your baby please contact our duty Health Visitor on 0300 555 0606 or text parentline 07505331866 and they will be able to help. *NEW Drop in- first come first served- Baby Self-Weighing Luton Session Timetable *

Baby Rhyme and Sign: (for parents of non-walkers over 3 months) Nursery rhymes and action songs are great fun and also help stimulate language development. Flying Start’s Sing and sign group combines the benefits of both music and signing.

Mindful Tots: (for parents of over 2 years) – a relaxing mindfulness session with some low-level poses for the children (similar to yoga)

Breastfeeding Café: Support for mothers breastfeeding. In addition to the 3 Breastfeeding Cafes in Luton shown on our timetable, Bedford/Central Bedfordshire have Baby Brasseries you are welcome to, find out more here

Toddler/Preschool Groups/Services

Little Explorers: 1 to 2 years (mobile)- ideal for toddlers on the move who would find larger Play and Learn groups too busy

Play and Learn for over 1s: Our play and learn (stay and play) sessions are opportunities for parents/carers to come along and meet other people with young children. A variety of age appropriate activities are available, such as messy play, soft play, stories and rhymes and lots more!

  • Feedback: “The staff are always friendly, asking about our children, sometimes play with kids showing their interest, even giving advice”

Parent Chat Drop in: For parents of children under 5 years old. Our friendly Community Link Worker will be available to tell you about Flying Start sessions as well as to answer any questions you have about parenting topics such as developmental milestones, age-appropriate behaviour and family relationships. They can also signpost you to other Luton services as appropriate. No need to book as a drop in with 10 minute one to one slots available.

Zoom sessions for parents on Starting Solids, Sleep, Toileting, Fussy Eating, Oral Health, Childhood Illnesses and Understanding Behaviour: These workshops will be in a relaxed style- giving a great opportunity for parents to talk with others, share experiences, and support each other whilst getting some parenting support and advice. *NEW- VIDEO VERSIONS TO WATCH IN YOUR OWN TIME-!*

  • Feedback: “Thank you again for all your help! I’m always learning something new and really encourages me to stay on track to be a healthy mama and good role model”

HENRY Healthy Lifestyles on Zoom: This 8/9 week programme supports parents in ensuring a healthy start for their child. Henry helps to overcome those mealtime challenges so parents can have a happy and healthy family life

  • Feedback: “I was able to share my experiences without judgement and also listen from other parents experiences. Being able to have group discussions was quite enjoyable We have increased level of physical activity by going out more often to the park etc. Also I have been making healthier lifestyle choices for myself and my family.”

Parenting Puzzle on Zoom: This 4/5 week programme supports parents of babies and young children with a focus on the importance of attachment, empathy, positive discipline, play and communication

  • Feedback: “Helped me by being about to speak in a group and take in everyone view point and learning new techniques”

Dad’s Saturday Group: Monthly group for fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles or brothers who would like to share some quality time with their child or relative under 8. Click here to book

The Early Years Alliance are also running sessions nationally (click on the name for more information/to book):

  • Baby and Me – 5 week zoom group focusing on topics such as brain development, sensory play, and positive mental health and keeping your baby safe.
  • Let’s learn together at home – These are one-off online events providing wellbeing and other advice. They support children’s return to, or introduction to, early education.
  • Family Corner – Various workshops for parents