Family Work
At Charnwood, family support is at the heart of our work. We know that children thrive when the adults around them feel understood, empowered, and connected, so our offer is designed to wrap around families with care, expertise, and meaningful, practical help.
Our family support offer includes practical advice, early help, signposting, and warm relational support from staff who know our community well. Whether a family needs help navigating services, managing routines at home, or simply wants a friendly conversation, we are here to walk alongside them.
Riding the Rapids in the Early Years for parents and carers
This is a 10 week face-to-face course held at Charnwood. Each session is 2 hours long.
It is for parents and carers with children between 2 years old and pre-school who may be displaying some developmental differences or may be neurodivergent. A formal diagnosis of autism is not required.
This course will:
- help you understand why your child behaves as they do
- help reduce distressed behaviour by understanding and supporting your child’s needs
- promote positive attachments and interactions, helping you think about the world as your child experiences it
- encourage your child’s growth and development
- help you manage feelings of stress
- give you the skills you can take on your journey with your child
If you would like further information, then please do contact us directly. Your children do not need to attend Charnwood to access the support.
Level 3 Mental Heath First Aider
Charnwood benefits from the expertise of a Level 3 Mental Health First Aid trainer, ensuring that our staff and families have access to high‑quality guidance on recognising early signs of mental health difficulties, responding safely, and building resilience. This specialist knowledge helps us create a culture where conversations about mental health are normalised, support is accessible, and no one feels they must cope alone.
Working with other supportive agencies
Charnwood works closely with a wide range of professionals across health, education, and social care, ensuring families experience joined‑up support. Our team regularly liaises with therapists, health visitors, and other agencies to share information, plan next steps, and ensure that our families are empowered to make decisions and be involved in supporting their child’s development.
We actively support families to attend meetings and appointments, helping them feel prepared, confident, and heard. Whether that means accompanying a parent, arranging a quiet space on site for a virtual meeting, or helping them understand reports and recommendations.
Practical support
In addition to these things, we also have access to essential items such as clothing, school uniforms, and furniture, ensuring that families can receive practical help quickly and without judgement. If you are in need, please speak to a member of our team — we are here to support, and to make sure no family feels they have to manage alone.
Everything we do is rooted in the belief that strong, trusting relationships make the biggest difference. At Charnwood, families are never just accessing a service—they are joining a community that, celebrates them and supports them through whatever life brings.
Playdays for SEND families
During the school holidays, our Head of Family Work hosts dedicated playdays on site at Charnwood. These sessions give our SEND families the chance to spend time together in a familiar, safe, and secure environment where children can explore freely and parents can relax. It’s a gentle, low‑pressure opportunity for families to enjoy the space as a family unit, reconnect with routines that feel comfortable, and benefit from the atmosphere the children know so well.
Charities we work in partnership with,
Romiley Lifecentre – Support – Early Life Baby bank
https://stockport.foodbank.org.uk/ – Stockport Food Bank
We are also able to offer families Food Bank vouchers.
If you would like to discuss any of the above, please email vanessa.orr@charnwoodnursery.org.uk our Head of Family work at Charnwood.
