Parenting groups

We offer parents a range of evidence-based parenting programmes which are managed and facilitated by trained practitioners. There are a range of programmes for parents of children from birth to teenagers to support parents in developing their parenting skills further. We recognise that parenting is a learning journey and from time to time all parents may need a bit of extra information and guidance.

By attending a parenting programme you will have the opportunity to learn positive parenting approaches that are proven to be effective and develop your parenting skills in a supportive environment. The programmes run from 5 to 14 weeks (depending on the programme) and are held in groups at community venues across Reading throughout the year – except during school holidays.

For further information on the programmes described below please contact 0118 937 6545.

Parenting programmes offered

An evidenced-based flexible parenting programme for parents with children aged four to 11 years old.

The group is suitable for parents with children displaying potentially challenging behaviour and aims to strengthen parent-child relationships, help parents to promote their child’s development and develop strategies that encourage appropriate behaviour. It promotes children’s development and helps parents to understand the root causes of child behaviour problems.

Next course: Tuesday 13 January to Tuesday 15 March 2026, 9.30-11.30am at Ranikhet Children’s Centre, Dee Park Community Building, Thurso Close, Reading RG30 4YH .

To book email: parenting@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 4858.

An evidenced-based parenting programme for parents with secondary-aged children. The group is suitable for parents with teenagers displaying and/or at risk of developing behaviour problems. The group aims to support parents to deal with risky behaviours and strengthen parent-teen relationships, help parents to promote their teen’s development and develop strategies that encourage appropriate behaviour.

Next course: Wednesday 14 January to Wednesday 18 March 2026, 9.30-11.30am at Hartland High School, 125 Hartland Road, Reading RG2 8AF.

To book email: parenting@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 4858.

Join our six-week, term-time programme for parents and carers. 

This course will give you an understanding of autism. You will learn effective strategies to use at home with your child. Throughout the course we will learn about social interaction, communication, behaviour and the sensory needs of your child.

Next course: Further dates are to be confirmed. 

To book email: parenting@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 4858.

This is a three week course delivered during term-time to give an overview of the Living with Autism course, as well as discussion around areas where parents commonly need the most support.

The next course dates are to be confirmed and will be held online via Microsoft Teams. All sessions should be attended.

The programme is outlined below:

  • Week 1: Understanding autism and your child as an individual
  • Week 2: Practical strategies and approaches to support with play, sleep and toilet training
  • Week 3: Enabling environments, including education settings.

To book email: parenting@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 4858.

A 14-week course for young parents that helps “mum’s to be” prepare for childbirth and parenthood. We deliver this programme because we are aware of the poorer outcomes that young parents and their children can experience and the barriers they face to accessing appropriate health care.

The course covers various topics associated with becoming a mother for the first time, such as being a young parent, staying healthy in pregnancy, preparation for labour and delivery, caring for a newborn baby and learning about healthy lifestyles for both mother and baby (other examples below). The course is team taught  by the Children Centre Infant Coordinator and the Specialist Midwifery Team (Poppy Team) who is able to offer the Young Mums weekly antenatal check-ups during the session.

This award is for young pregnant learners up to the age of 25 years and is certificated. Three courses are run  in April, September and January.

Accredited units covered during course include:

  • Your pregnancy, the early stages
  • How baby develops
  • Antenatal tests
  • Labour & delivery
  • Birth plan/pain relief
  • Healthy lifestyles
  • Caring for a baby up to six months

For more information contact Sue Blackwood on sue.blackwood@reading.gov.uk or call 07921 403349.

An evidenced-based programme for parents with toddlers aged one to three years old.

The 12-week course will support parents to encourage positive relationships with their children. It will help parents to use positive discipline, how to set limits and boundaries effectively and handle any challenging behaviours. It will help parents to develop skills using praise and encouragement using social and emotional coaching. Parents will gain confidence in handling separations and reunions and the art of praise and encouragement.

Next course:
Thursday 11 September – Thursday 27 November, 12.30-2.30pm at Southcote Children’s Centre, 85 Coronation Square, RG30 3QP

Are you about to become a dad? We run a Dads-to-be antenatal group to help you support your partner and prepare for bringing your baby home. Please note, you will need to attend both sessions to complete the course.

Next course dates are:
Thursday 5 February and Thursday 22 February 2026, 6.30-9.30pm, East Reading Children’s Centre, Sun Street, RG1 3JX

For more details and to book, please contact Sue Blackwood by emailing sue.blackwood@reading.gov.uk / 07921 403349  or Alison Hanks alison.hanks@reading.gov.uk / 07890 899032.

This 14-session group will help you manage the challenges of parenting and to learn and grow as a parent while also focusing on looking after yourself. There will be opportunities to talk with other mums in similar positions as you, and reflect on your journey so far.

This group is for mums with babies aged from 12 weeks to 18 months.

Next course

Dates TBC, 9.30am-2.30pm at Ranikhet Children’s Centre, Thurso Close Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4YH.

For more information and to book your place, please contact sue.blackwood@reading.gov.uk / 07921 403 349

or alison.hanks@reading.gov.uk / 07890 899 032

This course is suitable for pregnant mothers. It’s natural to worry about your baby when you’re pregnant, or when they’re newborn. You might worry if your baby will be healthy, or if you will be able to do all you need to look after them.It can be especially hard if you have had challenges in your own childhood or you are under stress or experiencing health or social problems during your pregnancy. Getting together with other mums-to-be and sharing ideas and experiences can be reassuring. They may know how you are feeling and you can support each other.

This antenatal parenting course is for pregnant mothers and does not include partners.

Next course:

Thursday 6 November – Thursday 11 December 2025, 10am to 12.30pm at Southcote Children’s Centre, 85 Coronation Square, Reading RG30 3QP.

Thursday 5 February – Thursday 12 March 2026, 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Southcote Children’s Centre, 85 Coronation Square, Reading RG30 3QP.

For more details and to book, please contact Sue Blackwood sue.blackwood@reading.gov.uk / 07921 403349  or Alison Hanks alison.hanks@reading.gov.uk / 07890 899032.