Join the Circle of Security Parenting Programme to better understand your child’s needs

There is no such thing as perfect parenting, but by joining the Circle of Security Parenting Programme, you can improve your understanding of your child's needs and behaviours. This relationship-based programme, available for parents of babies, toddlers, and pre-school aged children in North Northamptonshire, is delivered by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) as part of the Start for Life and Family Hub provision.
The Circle of Security Parenting Programme gives you a roadmap that will help you read your child's behaviour to guide you in meeting their needs as they grow. Parents who have taken part in the programme said they felt less stressed, more confident, had more positive communication with their child and found their child less difficult to look after.
The programme is designed to help you understand your child's emotions and:
- Improve your ability to understand your infant's non-verbal communication and needs
- Improve the development of your child's self-esteem
- Help you improve your confidence as a parent
- Increase your child's feeling of attachment security
- Help you if you are experiencing any difficulties in your relationship
Gabrielle Lees, Parent-Infant Relationship Lead for the Circle of Security Parenting Programme said: "Parenting is a really tough job, and sometimes it is difficult to know what our children need from us. Sometimes we worry that our parenting instincts are not enough or that we are getting things wrong. The Circle of Security programme offers an effective 'map' for tracking our children's needs and an opportunity to reflect on our parenting skills and struggles. Parents who have attended the programme report that they feel more confident in their role, and although we all make mistake, increasingly feel that their efforts are good enough."
Led by a team of professionals, the group sessions take place over eight to ten weeks, with each session lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.
This is a free group for those living in North Northamptonshire and are interested in joining with a friend, on your own or with your partner. To access the programme, or to find out more information, please visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/cospp or email circleofsecurity@nhft.nhs.uk .
Alternatively, you can speak to a health professional or your child's nursery or early years setting - they will be able to discuss the programme with you and make the referral on your behalf.