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Family Support

Parents & carers · Warmley Park School & College

Family
support

We are here to support every family throughout their time at Warmley Park — helping to remove barriers, build connections, and signpost the services that can make a difference.

Aimee Nicholson, Family Support Lead

Family Support Lead & Deputy DSL

Aimee Nicholson

Lead Family Support Worker

My role is to support children and their families throughout their time at school. I work alongside parents, carers, staff, and outside professionals to help remove barriers to learning and wellbeing. I understand that every family's journey is unique, and I aim to provide a caring, supportive, and approachable service where families feel comfortable asking for help — and working together to achieve the best outcomes for their child and whole family.

I aim to bridge the gap between home and school by building positive relationships and maintaining open communication with families. I have an open-door approach, so please do not hesitate to contact me if you need support, advice, or simply someone to talk to.

If you need support that you can't find below, or if you're aware of a service you think other families would benefit from, please contact Aimee at Aimee.nicholson1@warmleyparkschool.org.uk. Also check the Warmley Park Newsletter for new opportunities each term.

Advice & information

Supportive Parents (SENDIAS)

Local SEN and disability information service — information and support around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities for children, young people and families in South Glos and Bristol.

Tel0117 989 7725 (Mon–Fri 9:30–4:30)

IPSEA — Independent Parental Special Education Advice

Legally based, free, independent information, advice and support to help get appropriate education for children and young people with SEN and disabilities.

The SEND Local Offer (South Glos)

Information, advice, support and services for children and young people with SEN and disabilities, and for their parents and carers.

The Carers Support Centre

Support, information and advice for carers (including parent carers) living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Tel0117 965 2200

Young Minds

National charity offering confidential online and telephone support for anyone worried about the emotional, behavioural, or mental health of a child or young person up to age 25 — including ADHD, Autism and Asperger's.

TelParents helpline: 0808 802 5544

The Hive (Avon)

Free learning disability information service (telephone and drop-in) for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Based in Kingswood.

Tel0117 961 4372

Cerebra

Information for families with children under 16 affected by a neurological condition (neuro-genetic conditions, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Autism, ADHD, Learning Difficulties etc.). Families can hire sensory equipment and access a sleep service.

Tel0800 328 1159

Family Fund

Grants for families where a child has a disability.

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation

Charity providing information and support for people with severe learning disabilities and their families.

Social & family groups

Special Friends Club

Charity across Bristol and South Gloucestershire run by parent volunteers. Organises activities for children with disabilities and their whole families. Children must have a diagnosed disability which inhibits mainstream access.

Little Treasures Stay and Play

South Glos parent-led play and support group for babies to preschool children with additional needs, their siblings, parents and carers. Suggested donation £4 per family.

Safe Space

Stay and Play sessions in Little Stoke for families with children with additional needs.

JIGSAW Thornbury

Supports families with children aged 0–25 with any additional needs or disability. Weekly support group for parents, carers and children plus training courses on a range of topics.

Tel01454 416381

SWAN UK

Syndromes Without A Name — information and support for families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions, plus inclusive family activities.

Incredible Kids

Play and support services for families with a child with a disability or additional need, to reduce inequality and social isolation. Based at Bourne Christian Centre, Kingswood. Service is for everyone regardless of faith.

Children's Playlink

Council-funded holiday play schemes for disabled children and young people. Runs in Yate, Little Stoke, Kingswood and Thornbury. Small charge per session. Families can self-refer.

Brandon Trust

Enables children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism to live life in the way they choose.

Resound Community Church

Blackhorse Road, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9BP. Provides parenting courses, time out for parents of children with special needs, youth groups, toddler groups, arts and crafts, and camera club.

Tel0117 305 0969

Face Youth Club

Youth Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. Regular activities and small group work for children and young people including Messy Play Sensory sessions (under 5s) and Step Up Independence Skills (15–18 year olds with learning/social disabilities).

Tel0117 969 1938

Armadillo Youth Venue

Station Road, Yate BS37 4FW. Safe environment for all young people aged 11–17. Also runs a Monday evening for young people with learning disabilities.

Tel01454 869441

Nothing Special

Supports young people with disabilities aged 14–24 through various activities.

Condition-specific support

National Autistic Society

South Glos branch supports parents and carers of children with autism or Asperger syndrome. Monthly support groups (evening and daytime) in Bradley Stoke, plus activities including science club and youth club. NAS mailing list available if awaiting a diagnosis.

Tel07767 166324

Bristol Autism Support

Information, support and training for parents and carers of children in Bristol and South Glos. Includes info for those with or without a diagnosis.

Butterflies Haven

Support and social events for parents, carers, children and young people affected by autism.

Early Bird & Cygnet Courses

Courses for parents and carers of children diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Early Bird for ages 2–4, Cygnet for ages 5–18. Can be accessed via referral or self-referral.

ADHD Foundation

Information for parents and professionals about ADHD, including training courses and events.

ADHD Parenting Course (Community Health)

Course run by community health and family support workers. Child must have been diagnosed with ADHD and be under Community Paediatrics or CAMHS. Parents or professionals can refer.

Tel01454 862431

Ups and Downs Southwest

Support for families where a child has Down Syndrome, and for professionals working with those families.

ERIC — Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity

Free helpline and information on bedwetting, daytime wetting, constipation, potty training etc. Local branch at Kingswood Foundation, Bristol BS15 8DB.

Tel0808 169 9949

National Deaf Children's Society

Expert support on childhood deafness, a free helpline, workshops, training, and social support. The family centre for deaf children covers the local area and improves access to recreational facilities.

Whizz-Kidz

For disabled young people aged 10–18. Youth club, wheelchair skills, work placements, leadership programmes and camps.

Tel020 7233 6600

Young Sibs

Support for siblings of disabled children, plus tips for parents on supporting young siblings.

MusicSpace

Charity providing music therapy for people of all ages, using music to help people communicate and express themselves.

Activities & leisure

Bournestream

Unique outdoor adventure play and picnic site in Wotton-Under-Edge for disabled children and their families, friends, carers and special schools. £10 membership required.

Warmley Wheelers Cycling

Based in Warmley. Safe cycling on specially adapted bikes for people with additional needs.

Charlotte's Tandems

Lends tandems and tag-alongs at no cost to people with disabilities or additional needs who cannot ride a bike safely alone, so they can enjoy cycling.

Seals Starfish Club

Weekly term-time swimming lessons on Saturday mornings at Starfish hydrotherapy pool for children and young people with disabilities. Based at Claremont School, Henleaze, Bristol.

Avon Riding Centre

Riding for people with disabilities aged 4+. Works with 30+ forms of disability. Structured weekly classes with proven therapeutic benefits. Based in Henbury, Bristol.

Gympanzees

Pop-up leisure centre dedicated to children and young people with disabilities and their families. Currently runs Easter and summer pop-up sessions.

Dimensions Autism-Friendly Cinema

Sunday morning screenings in a sensory-friendly, inclusive environment. Adjustments reduce over-stimulation and create a welcoming space for autistic people and their families. Multiple cinema venues.

Keynsham & District Mencap Society

A variety of social and leisure opportunities including Keynsham Juniors, Super Saturday Club and Boccia Club.

Books for families & young people

ADHD

  • Putting on the Brakes: Young people's guide to understanding ADHD — Patricia O. Quinn
  • Putting on the Brakes: Activity book for young people with ADHD — Patricia O. Quinn
  • I Would If I Could: A teenager's guide to ADHD — Michael Gordon
  • Survival Guide: Kids with ADHD — John F. Taylor
  • ADHD and Teens: A parent's guide — Colleen Alexander-Roberts

Autism & Asperger's

  • My Social Stories — Carol Gray & Abbie Leigh White
  • My Autism Book: A child's guide to their ASD diagnosis — Gloria Dura-Vila & Tamar Levi
  • All My Stripes – A story for children with Autism — Shaina Rudolph
  • The Reason I Jump — Naoki Higashida & David Mitchell
  • The Asperger's Teen Toolkit — Francis Musgrave
  • Asperger's Rules: How to make sense of school and friends — Blythe Grossberg
  • Parenting a Teen or Young Adult with Asperger's Syndrome — Brenda Boyd
  • Asperkids (Secret) Book of Social Rules — Jennifer Cook O'Toole
  • Freaks, Geeks and Asperger's Syndrome — Luke Jackson

Get in touch

Can't find what
you're looking for?

If you need support that isn't listed here, or if you know of a service other families would benefit from, please get in touch with Aimee directly. No question is too small.

Email Aimee