About Aspire Foundation

Aspire Foundation is a registered charity (1155305) dedicated to helping children and families aspire and achieve. Formerly known as the Gardners Lane and Oakwood Federation, we have grown into a trusted provider of children and family support across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. With more than 20 years of experience, we deliver high‑quality early intervention services, educational programmes, parenting courses, and community activities designed to strengthen families and build resilient communities.

We run five Children and Family Centres and five Early Years settings across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, offering a wide range of support for families with children from birth to 11 years. Our work includes family support, group programmes, workshops, play opportunities, and targeted interventions that help children thrive and help parents feel confident, informed, and supported.

At Aspire Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the best start in life, and every family deserves access to the right support at the right time. Our services are built around the needs of local families, ensuring that help is accessible, welcoming, and rooted in the heart of the community.

What We Do

Aspire Foundation provides a broad range of children and family support services across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. These include:

• Family support for parents and carers needing guidance or early help

• Children’s groups and activities that promote learning, play, and emotional development

• Parenting courses and evidence‑based programmes

• Workshops for parents, carers, and children

• Early years education through our registered Early Years settings

• Community events that bring families together

Our approach is rooted in early intervention, partnership working, and a strong belief that families flourish when they feel supported, connected, and empowered. 

Our History

Our journey spans more than two decades of growth, development, and commitment to local families:

• 1998 – Gardners Lane Primary School is established and takes over the running of Elmfield Family Centre, previously a social services provision.

• 2000 – Gardners Lane Family Centre is awarded Early Excellence status by the Department for Education.

• 2005 – Gardners Lane Early Excellence Centre becomes a Phase 1 Children’s Centre as part of the local Sure Start programme.

• 2009 – Oakwood School is built, and the Gardners Lane and Oakwood Federation (GLOW) is formed. Oakwood Children’s Centre joins the Federation.

• 2013 – GLOW is awarded the contract to run the seven Cheltenham Locality Children’s Centres.

• 2016 – The Federation is awarded the contract to deliver Targeted Family Support across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, including five Children and Family Centres and five registered Early Years settings.

• 2021 – Gardners Lane and Oakwood Federation becomes Aspire Foundation, reflecting our wider vision and growing community role.

• 2024 – Aspire Foundation is awarded the contract to run the Children and Family Centre services in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, including responsibility for community capacity building across both districts.

  This history reflects our long‑standing commitment to delivering high‑quality services that evolve with the needs of local families.

Our Vision & Plan

Aspire Foundation’s vision is simple: children, families, and communities supported to aspire and achieve. We believe that strong families build strong communities, and that early support can transform a child’s future.

Our work is guided by a whole‑family approach. We recognise that every family is unique, and we tailor our support to help parents and carers feel confident, capable, and connected. By harnessing the strengths and aspirations of families, we aim to nurture a confident, well‑balanced next generation.

Our values include:

• Early help – providing support before challenges escalate

• Partnership – working closely with health, education, housing, social care, and local charities

• Accessibility – ensuring families can access help easily and without judgement

• Quality – delivering evidence‑based, high‑impact services

• Community – strengthening local networks and building resilience
  
  

Our Work in Cheltenham & Tewkesbury

Aspire Foundation plays a key role in supporting families across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. Through our five Children and Family Centres, we offer:

• Parenting courses and workshops

• Emotional wellbeing support

• Play sessions and early learning opportunities

• Support for children aged 0–11

• Targeted family support for those who need extra help

• Community‑based activities that bring families together

Our five Early Years settings provide high‑quality childcare and early education, giving children the best possible start and supporting parents to work, study, or access support.

By working closely with local partners, we ensure families receive joined‑up support that meets their needs at the earliest opportunity.

Why Families Choose Aspire Foundation

Families across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury trust Aspire Foundation because we offer:

• Experienced, qualified staff

• A warm, welcoming environment

• A wide range of services for children and parents

• Evidence‑based programmes

• Strong community connections

• A commitment to helping families thrive

Whether a family needs emotional support, practical guidance, early years education, or simply a friendly place to connect with others, Aspire Foundation is here to help.