Welcome to our pages for parents. Here, you can search by region to find out what classes are taking place in your area, and you can complete an evaluation form online if you have attended a parenting course that was advertised on these pages. If you are a Parenting UK member and would like your own course or workshop included on our For Parents pages please submit your course for inclusion.

What is parenting education and support?

Most people become parents with excitement and anticipation, but the pressures of today's world can make parenthood difficult and isolating. Parenting education and support provides opportunities to meet other parents, share experiences, as well as advice and information, and the chance to learn skills, often before problems arise, or indeed, before becoming a parent. A wide variety of groups and programmes are available throughout the country.

Can anyone attend them?

Yes. Anyone who is a parent, step-parent, parenting partner or in a parenting role to a child or children. The programmes are normally for groups of parents. There are usually between 6 and 12 weekly sessions. A session lasts between 2 and 3 hours.

What will I learn?

The topics covered include skills which help parents and their children get on better and improve the quality of family life. There are other programmes which are sometimes called education for parents. These include antenatal classes held by midwives and family literacy and numeracy classes where parents and children learn in tandem. Some are designed for specific groups of parents, for example fathers, parents of teenagers, new parents, same sex partners becoming parents and step-parents. Most courses are suitable for all parents going through the normal ups and downs of bringing up a child; there are some, however, which have been designed for parents who are experiencing particular difficulties. These are not usually advertised, as parents are referred through local health/education/social services.

How much will it cost?

Some of the courses offered by local authority or health trust providers may be free to parents. For most, a fee is payable. Ask for details of charges when you enquire about course availability and timetables. Some providers may offer free or reduced courses to participants who are unemployed or in receipt of benefit. It is worth checking.

How can I tell if a course is good quality?

Parenting UK, working with training organisations, has put in place National Occupational Standards for Work with Parents. We suggest you ask the course provider what training they have had and if they are aware of the National Occupational Standards. We recommend an absolute minimum of 18 hours training. You can also ask friends and local contacts, who may have attended courses, for their views.

How do I find a course near me?

Search on these pages to see what is happening in your area. Your local library, GP surgery, Citizens Advice Bureau, local authority reception area and schools are also good places to obtain information.