Family Support 

Support for Families

At Briar Hill Primary School, we know that family life can sometimes be challenging. There is a wide range of support available locally to help parents and carers with parenting, family relationships, childcare, children’s wellbeing and accessing the right services.

We have brought together some useful local resources below. You do not need to wait until a problem becomes serious before asking for support – these services are there to provide advice, information and early help.

Family Hubs – West Northamptonshire

Visit West Northamptonshire Family Hubs

Family Hubs provide a welcoming place where families can access information, advice, activities and support.

Support is available for families with children and young people aged 0–19, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs or disabilities.

The website includes information about:

• Pregnancy, babies and the early years
• Activities and support for toddlers and pre-school children
• Healthy Start
• Support for school-age children
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Online safety
• Support for young people
• Healthy relationships
• Finance, housing and employment
• Parenting courses and groups
• Local Family Hub locations, events and contact details

Why visit?
If you are not sure what support your family needs, the Family Hubs website can help you find the most appropriate advice and local services.

Free Online Courses for Parents and Carers

Free online parenting and family relationship courses

West Northamptonshire Council provides access to free online courses designed to help parents and carers manage some of the challenges that can arise during family life.

The courses include support with:

Arguing Better – strategies for managing disagreements positively and reducing the impact of conflict on children.

Me, You and Baby Too – support for new and expectant parents as relationships change following the arrival of a baby.

Getting it right for children – advice for parents who are separating, helping them communicate in ways that support their children.

Debt Management – practical support for families experiencing financial worries and the effect these can have on relationships.

There are also online sessions covering topics such as relationships, separation, ADHD/autism and family life.

Why visit?
These courses are free, accessible online and can be completed at your own pace, making them a useful option for busy parents and carers.

Parenting Support & Resources – Northamptonshire Children’s Trust

Parenting Support and Resources

The Northamptonshire Children’s Trust provides a wide range of parenting support, including parenting programmes, online resources and opportunities to access professional support.

There are programmes for:

• Parents of children aged 0–12
• Parents of teenagers
• Parents and carers of children with additional needs
• Parents who are separated or divorced

The website also includes resources to help with child development, positive parenting, communication, behaviour and managing family life.

There is also a tool called Better Conversations, which helps parents and co-parents practise communicating more positively when conversations may otherwise become difficult or conflicted.

The website also provides information about local activities and events through its Stay Connected newsletters.

Why visit?
This is a particularly useful resource if you are looking for practical parenting strategies, parenting programmes or additional support for a particular family situation.

Families Information Service (FIS)

West Northamptonshire Families Information Service

The Families Information Service (FIS) provides free and impartial information about services available to children, young people and families across West Northamptonshire.

It can help families find information about:

• Childcare and help with childcare costs
• Early years and childcare providers
• Schools and education
• Specialist SEND support
• Adult learning
• Services for children and young people
• Adoption and fostering
• Help and protection for children
• Other local services and facilities

The directory is particularly useful if you are looking for a local service, activity, childcare provider or source of support.

Why visit?
If you are unsure what services are available locally, FIS is a good starting point for finding the right information in one place.

Family Help Conversation – Northamptonshire Children’s Trust

Find out about the Family Help Conversation

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust has introduced the Family Help Conversation (FHC) as a new approach to providing earlier and more coordinated support for children, young people and families.

The Family Help Conversation replaces the previous Early Help Assessment and focuses on having an open, strengths-based conversation with families.

Professionals work alongside families to consider:

• What is going well?
• What are you worried about?
• What support could help?

The aim is to identify support earlier, bring the right people together and create a coordinated plan around the individual needs of the family.

Teachers, early years practitioners and other professionals working with children and families can use the approach.

Why is this important?
If you or your child needs additional support, speaking to a member of staff at school can be a good first step. We can work with you to understand what is happening and, where appropriate, help connect your family with further support.

Need Some Support?

Asking for help is a positive step and you do not need to wait until difficulties become overwhelming.

If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, behaviour, relationships, attendance, learning or family circumstances, please speak to a member of staff at school.

We are always happy to listen and help you identify the most appropriate support.

Useful starting points

Family Hubs – local family activities, advice and support
West Northamptonshire Family Hubs

Families Information Service – childcare, education, SEND and local services
Families Information Service

Parenting Support – parenting programmes and practical resources
Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Parenting Support

Free Online Courses – parenting and family relationship support
Free Parenting Courses

Family Help Conversation – information about how professionals can provide earlier support
Family Help Conversation

My Family Coach