GAP Families
Supporting families. Strengthening futures.
GAP Families is our proposed family learning and engagement programme, designed to bring parents and carers together in a welcoming environment where they can build confidence, share experiences, develop practical skills and access meaningful support.
We believe families should be listened to, valued and involved in shaping the opportunities available to them.
Proposed first programme, subject to funding and organisational readiness. Sessions have not started.
Who GAP Families is for
Parents and carers in Bradford and surrounding communities who may face barriers to educational engagement, community participation or accessing support.
We aim to welcome families from all backgrounds, including parents and carers of children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
Chai & Chat
Informal community conversations where parents and carers can meet, share experiences and discuss topics affecting family life. Sessions may include guest speakers, facilitated conversations, peer connection, shared learning and signposting to local services.
Six-week parent learning course
A structured course delivered in small groups, using discussion, practical activities, reflection and accessible materials.
| Week | Theme | Intended learning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding Our Families | Identify family strengths, challenges and support networks |
| 2 | Communication and Relationships | Explore listening, communication and positive family relationships |
| 3 | Emotional Wellbeing | Recognise emotional needs and develop everyday wellbeing strategies |
| 4 | SEND and Inclusive Support | Understand additional needs, reasonable adjustments and routes to support |
| 5 | Navigating Education | Build confidence communicating with schools and understanding available support |
| 6 | Building Family Resilience | Develop a practical family action plan and identify next steps |
Parent Advisory Group
A forum enabling parents and carers to shape GAP Education's priorities and services: contributing to programme planning, identifying community priorities and sharing feedback.
How the programme is proposed to work
- Accessible sessions in community venues in Bradford
- A welcoming, non-judgemental environment
- Facilitated by appropriately experienced staff or volunteers
- Clear safeguarding arrangements in place before any session runs
- Partnership working and signposting where families need further support
Intended outcomes
We aim for parents and carers to report stronger confidence, better support networks, greater engagement in their children's education and a greater ability to navigate education and SEND processes.
How outcomes will be evaluated
Attendance records, participant feedback, before-and-after confidence measures and reflective learning. Read about our approach.
Get involved
Are you a parent or carer with ideas about what GAP Families should offer, or an organisation that could partner with us?
Expressing interest is not enrolment. Please do not include sensitive personal details in your first email.