Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to the questions families ask us most about our centres, Early Years places, activities and family support. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
About Aspire Foundation
What does Aspire Foundation do?
Aspire Foundation is a charity supporting children and families across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. We run five Children and Family Centres and five Early Years settings, offering family support, children’s activities and early education for families from pregnancy until their child is 11.
What is a Family Hub?
Family Hubs are welcoming places where families can find advice, activities and support in one place. Our Children and Family Centres are part of Gloucestershire’s Family Hub Network, so you can visit any of our centres for help, or explore the Virtual Family Hub online.
Do you offer support for children with SEND?
Yes. Our centres and Early Years settings offer inclusive activities and tailored support for children with SEND or additional needs. We also work with specialist partners who can offer extra guidance.
Do you work with other organisations?
Yes. We work with NHS teams, Gloucestershire County Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Caring for Communities and People, Speech and Language Therapy, Young Carers and other local charities, so families get joined up support.
Early Years & Childcare Funding
Are funded Early Years places available?
Yes. Funded places are available from 9 months to school age at selected settings. All 3 and 4 year olds can get 15 hours a week from the term after their third birthday. Eligible working parents can get up to 30 hours a week from the term after their child turns 9 months, and some 2 year olds can get 15 hours through Achieving Two Year Olds funding. You can check your eligibility through the Gloucestershire Citizen Portal or the government’s Best Start in Life eligibility checker. Find out more on our Early Years Fees and Funding page.
How do I apply for an Early Years place?
Start by filling in our Early Years Enquiry Form. A member of the team will be in touch to let you know if there’s a space at your chosen setting and talk you through next steps. Once a place has been offered, we’ll ask you to complete a booking form so we can set up your funding and fees. You’re also welcome to visit a setting before you apply.
Family Support
Do I need a referral?
No. You don’t need a referral to come to our Coffee, Chat & Connect Parent Drop‑In Sessions or most of our activities. Just come along.
Do I need an appointment to get advice?
No. You don’t need an appointment for general advice. Our staff can offer guidance or point you to the right support whenever you visit. You can also come along to our Coffee, Chat & Connect Parent Drop‑In Sessions, where our staff is on hand for advice.
How do I get family support or Early Help?
You can talk to our Family Support Workers at our Coffee, Chat & Connect sessions, parenting courses, groups and activities. For extra support, we offer two routes. Earliest Help is for families who would like some practical support before small worries become bigger ones, and you can refer yourself using our Earliest Help referral form. Family Help is for families facing more complex or ongoing challenges, and is accessed through Gloucestershire’s Early Help Request for Support process. If you’re not sure which is right for you, our team can talk it through with you.
What can our team help with?
Our team can help with things like routines, behaviour, sleep, emotional wellbeing, weaning, toilet training, starting school and finding specialist services. If you’d like to talk something through, please get in touch.
Can I get support for my older child?
Yes. We support families with children up to age 11.
Activities
Are your activities free?
Most of our sessions are free. Some may have a small cost for materials or specialist sessions, and any costs are shown on our What’s On page.
Do I need to book sessions in advance?
Some sessions need booking and others are drop in. Each centre has its own timetable on our What’s On page, and our staff can let you know about availability.
Can dads attend sessions?
Yes, of course. We welcome dads, carers, grandparents and all family members. Some centres also run dads only Stay and Play sessions in partnership with Dad Matters.
What ages are your activities for?
We support families from pregnancy until their child is 11. Most of our term time groups are for babies, toddlers and under 5s, and we also run SEND inclusive activities with Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum for children up to age 11.
Local Community Activities
Does Aspire Foundation run all the activities listed on the website?
No. Our What’s On page lists sessions we run ourselves, such as Stay and Play groups. Our Local Activities page works like a community noticeboard, sharing sessions run by other local organisations. We list these to help families find things to do nearby, but we don’t run or manage them.
Visiting Us
Can I visit a centre before joining a session or applying for a place?
Yes. You’re welcome to visit your local centre to meet the team and have a look around. Our staff can talk you through what’s on and our Early Years places.
How do I contact Aspire Foundation?
You can contact any of our centres directly, or get in touch through our Contact Us page.
Do you work with other organisations?
We collaborate with NHS teams, Gloucestershire County Council, local borough councils, CCP, Speech and Language Therapy, Young Carers and other voluntary organisations. These partnerships help us offer coordinated support for families.
Where can I park at each centre?
Parking varies by centre:
Brockworth: on street parking nearby
Gardners Lane, Noah’s Ark and Oakwood: on street parking next to the centre
Hesters Way: you can use the school car park
Rowanfield: on street parking nearby