Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aspire Foundation do?
Aspire Foundation supports children and families across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury through Early Years education, Children and Family Centres, family support and inclusive activities. Our centres offer welcoming spaces where families can learn, play and find practical guidance. If you would like to explore our services, you can visit our pages on Children and Family Centres or Early Years education.
Do you offer support for children with SEND?
Yes. Our centres and Early Years settings provide inclusive activities and tailored support for children with SEND or additional needs. Families can also access guidance from specialist partners. If you would like more information, you can ask about SEND support.
Early Years & Childcare Funding
Are funded Early Years places available?
Yes. Aspire Foundation offers funded Early Education places for eligible two‑, three‑ and four‑year‑olds. All children receive 15 hours of universal funding from the term after their third birthday. Some families may also qualify for Achieving Two‑Year‑Old funding or 30 hours of extended childcare. Families can check their own eligibility directly through the Gloucestershire Citizen Portal or the national Best Start in Life eligibility checker. If you need help understanding the different funding options once you have checked, you can ask about funded places.
How do I apply for an Early Years place?
Families can apply for an Early Years place by completing the booking form and sending it to their chosen setting. Once the form has been received, a member of the team will contact you to discuss availability and next steps. If you would like to visit a setting before applying, you are welcome to arrange this directly with your chosen Early Years setting.
Accessing Family Support
Do I need to book an appointment to visit a family centre for advice?
No. Families do not need an appointment for general advice. Centre staff are available to offer guidance or signpost you to the right support whenever you visit. You can also drop in during our Coffee and Chat sessions, where an on‑duty Family Support Worker is available for immediate advice. If you would like to explore our support options, you can learn more about family support.
How do I access family support or Early Help?
Families can speak with our Family Support Workers through Coffee and Chat sessions, parenting courses, groups and centre‑based activities. If a family needs more coordinated support, they can self‑refer through Gloucestershire’s central Early Help referral system. If you want to understand how Early Help works or what support may be available, please see family support.
What kind of issues can Family Support Workers help with?
Our team can offer guidance on routines, behaviour, sleep, emotional wellbeing, weaning, toilet training and accessing specialist services. If you would like to talk through a concern, you can ask about family support.
Activities
Are your activities free?
Many of our sessions are free, and some may have a small cost depending on materials or specialist delivery. Staff at each centre can advise you on any fees. You can ask for details about activity costs or refer to our what's on page for information.
Do I need to book sessions in advance?
Some sessions require booking, while others are open for drop‑in. Each centre publishes its own timetable, and staff can advise you on availability. If you would like help finding a session, you can ask about our children’s activities.
Can dads attend sessions?
Yes. We welcome dads, carers and all family members. Some centres also offer dedicated dad‑only Stay and Play sessions in partnership with Dad Matters.
What age groups are your activities designed for?
Our activities support families from pregnancy through the early years, with most term‑time sessions designed for babies, toddlers and children aged 0 to 5. We also offer SEND‑inclusive activities in partnership with Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum that support children up to age 11. If you would like help choosing a suitable group for your child, you can explore children’s activities.
Local Community Activities
Does Aspire Foundation manage all the local activities listed on the website?
No. While Aspire runs specific internal sessions such as stay‑and‑play groups, our Local Activities directory acts as a community noticeboard. It includes sessions organised by external providers and partner organisations. Aspire lists these to help families discover neighbourhood options, but we do not run or manage these external events.
How do I know which activities are run by Aspire and which are external?
Activities delivered by Aspire Foundation are listed on this page, and external community activities are listed separately on our Local Activities page. If you would like help finding the right session for your family, you can ask for children’s activities details.
General Information
How do I contact Aspire Foundation?
You can get in touch with any of our centres directly or speak with our team through our contact us page.
Can I visit a centre before joining a session or applying for a place?
Yes. Families are welcome to visit their local centre to meet the team and see the environment. Staff can guide you through timetables, activities and Early Years places. If you would like help arranging a visit, you can ask about centre visits.
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. Details for each site are listed below so families know what to expect when visiting.
Brockworth On‑street parking is available nearby.
Gardners Lane, Noah's Ark & Oakwood On‑street parking is available adjacent to the centre.
Hesters Way Families can use the school car park when visiting the centre.