Parenting Apart Seperated Parents Programme

Cost: Less than £100

This course takes you on a supportive and reflective journey through the realities of separated and future co‑parenting. Together, we explore how to keep children’s wellbeing at the centre while navigating the emotional and practical challenges that come with parenting apart.

During session 1 we begin by focusing on the child’s voice — how separation affects them, what they may feel but not say, and how their needs can shift over time.

We look at the impact of separation on children and on you as a parent and you’ll reflect on where you are now in your own journey. We explore the roles children sometimes take on during family change, and why it’s important to gently steer them away from these responsibilities.

During session 2 we focus on communicating and Co‑Parenting with Confidence and look at some of the more practical sides of co‑parenting.

We explore ways to communicate with the other parent without becoming overwhelmed and you’ll learn how to set and maintain healthy boundaries. We look at the wider network around your children — new partners, grandparents, and other important adults — and how to navigate these relationships constructively. We also focus on your wellbeing: how to look after yourself and what support is available.

We finish with a group conversation and Q&A, giving you space to share insights, ask questions, and connect with others on a similar path.

The course is available online to residents of England. Our in-person delivery covers South West England under our NACCC accreditation as an enhanced service provider.

Course Highlights

Child‑centred approach — understanding the child’s voice and how separation affects their emotions, behaviour, and needs.
Reflective parent journey — space to explore your own experiences, challenges, and current position in the co‑parenting process.
Recognising unhelpful child roles — identifying roles children may take on during family change and learning how to gently prevent this.

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Purpose of Programme

The programme aims to support separated and future co‑parents in developing a healthier, more confident, and child‑centred approach to co‑parenting. It seeks to deepen parents’ understanding of the child’s experience of separation, strengthen their ability to communicate constructively with the other parent, and encourage the creation of clear, respectful boundaries. The programme also aims to help parents navigate wider family relationships, recognise and avoid placing children in inappropriate roles, and prioritise their own wellbeing. Through guided reflection, practical tools, and shared discussion, the programme works to equip parents with the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to build positive, stable co‑parenting arrangements that keep children’s needs at the heart of decision‑making.

Course Highlights

• Child‑centred approach — understanding the child’s voice and how separation affects their emotions, behaviour, and needs.

• Reflective parent journey — space to explore your own experiences, challenges, and current position in the co‑parenting process.

• Recognising unhelpful child roles — identifying roles children may take on during family change and learning how to gently prevent this.

• Confident communication skills — practical strategies for communicating with the other parent without becoming overwhelmed.

• Healthy boundary‑setting — tools to create and maintain clear, respectful boundaries in co‑parenting.

• Navigating wider family dynamics — guidance on managing relationships with new partners, grandparents, and other key adults in your children’s lives.

• Parent wellbeing focus — understanding how to look after yourself and where to find support.

• Group discussion and Q&A — a supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others on a similar journey.

Additional Resources

What Parents Receive at the End of the Course

• A set of helpful fact sheets to reinforce key learning and support you after the sessions

• A template parenting plan to guide future co‑parenting arrangements

• An invitation to join a dedicated parenting‑plan session for more personalised support

• A completion certificate recognising your participation

• Links and details for further support, including trusted organisations, resources, and information sources

Safeguarding Measures

Whilst the course provides a safe and supportive space — beginning with the creation of a group agreement around respect, confidentiality, and boundaries — we also have clear safeguarding measures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants and their children. All facilitators follow our organisation’s safeguarding policy and are trained to recognise and respond appropriately to any concerns. Any disclosures or worries raised during the programme are handled sensitively and in line with statutory safeguarding procedures. We maintain a respectful, confidential learning environment, and participants are encouraged to speak to a facilitator at any time if they have concerns about their own safety or the safety of a child.

Providers Qualifications

The facilitators of the programme with South West Family Services are either qualified social workers, advanced practitioners or experienced and train family support practitioners. We deliver services across the South West of England mostly, under our NACCC enhanced accreditation status.

Tools & Skills Learnt

• Understanding the child’s perspective — recognising how separation affects children emotionally and behaviourally, and responding in ways that support their wellbeing

• Reflective parenting skills — the ability to look at your own reactions, patterns, and needs during and after separation

• Identifying and preventing unhealthy child roles — spotting when children are taking on responsibilities or emotional burdens that don’t belong to them

• Constructive communication — communicating with the other parent in calmer, clearer, and more purposeful ways

• Boundary‑setting — establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries that protect both parents and children

• Managing wider family dynamics — navigating relationships with new partners, grandparents, and other adults in a balanced, child‑focused way

• Emotional regulation — staying grounded and reducing overwhelm during difficult conversations or co‑parenting situations

• Self‑care and resilience — recognising your own needs, accessing support, and maintaining your wellbeing through change

• Collaborative problem‑solving — working with the other parent (and sometimes others) to make decisions that prioritise the child

• Confidence in planning — using tools like a parenting plan to create structure, clarity, and consistency for your children

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Programme Type

Live
Group Sessions
Online

Additional Support & Learning

Children with Sends
Teenagers
Blended Families