Families offered free parenting courses by council

People with children aged between two and 16 have been invited by a council to take part in free parenting courses.

The classes are being run by Peterborough Family Hubs in locations across the city and begin at the end of January.

There are two sessions for parents with children aged between two and 12, with one focused on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and a third session for parents of 11 to 16-year-olds.

Katy Cole, Peterborough City Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "Being a parent myself, I know it's not an easy job and it can also be hard to get practical focused advice."

Cole said the sessions would give parents help with any aspect of the role, as well a chance to meet like-minded people.

"The courses are free and will be run in a relaxed informal environment, with everyone made to feel welcome."

There are several family hubs in the city, which aim to bring together support for families with children from the NHS, the council and community organisations.

The course for two to 12-year-olds with SEND, as well as that for teenagers, runs between 29 January and 26 March.

The SEND-specific course for under-12s is aimed at parents of children with a range of disabilities to help them be an "effective parent in different scenarios".

The session for parents of teenagers focuses on strategies for them to support young people with learning skills, managing inappropriate behaviour and self-regulating emotions.

The course for two to 12-year-olds runs at the end of January and aims to help parents improve their relationships and enjoy parenting.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.