Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (Working in Early Years) - Level 2

Summary

Are you looking to better understand how early trauma affects children’s development and behaviour? This course offers essential insight into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and equips you with the knowledge to support children and young people in a trauma-informed way.

You’ll explore how ACEs impact brain development, emotional wellbeing and long-term outcomes, while learning practical strategies to foster resilience and recovery. Ideal for those working or volunteering in early years, education or care settings, this qualification helps you make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
05 Oct 2026	Bispham Campus	10 Weeks	Apply now

A woman engages with children in a supportive circle, fostering interaction and connection among the group.

Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?

Explore our pathways in Health, Education and Childcare to see how we can help you reach your career goals.

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course is ideal for those working in early years, education, youth work, or family support roles. It enhances your ability to recognise and respond to the effects of trauma, making it especially valuable in settings where safeguarding and emotional wellbeing are priorities.

These qualifications support your development into more advanced roles and help you meet the requirements for employment in regulated early years environments.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Mental Health Pathway, which includes the following courses.

MENTAL HEALTH PATHWAY

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Working in Early Years Pathway, which includes the following courses.

WORKING IN EARLY YEARS PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Having successfully completed this qualification, learners can continue their journey within the Early Years Pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College. The next step is:

Early Years Educator (Working in Early Years) - Level 3

This Level 3 qualification prepares you for more advanced roles in regulated early years settings and supports your development as a confident, knowledgeable Early Years Practitioner.

Employment Opportunities

This qualification equips you with valuable knowledge to support children and young people affected by trauma, making you a strong candidate for a range of roles in early years, education, and care settings.

Potential job titles include:

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements:

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider. 
English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.

Qualification obtained

Technical Specialist in Adverse Childhood Experiences in Early Years (Certificate)

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this course. 

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: NCFE

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

This course explores how early life experiences and family environments can shape a child’s development and long-term wellbeing. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to support children affected by trauma and how to apply this knowledge in early years and care settings.

You will study the following units:

Exploring Childhood and Family Structures – Understand the different types of family units and how they influence a child’s development.

Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences – Learn about the types of ACEs, their impact on brain development, and the long-term effects on health and behaviour.

Understand Strategies to Improve Outcomes for Children Affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences – Discover practical, trauma-informed approaches to support resilience and recovery in children and young people.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

To meet the assessment requirements of this qualification, learners must be working in an appropriate setting such as a nursery, school, or family support service throughout the course. This practical experience is essential for applying your learning in real-world contexts and completing the required assessments.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we also enrich your learning through guest speakers and employer engagement activities. These may include talks from professionals in trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and early intervention services. These sessions offer valuable insights into current practice and help you connect your studies with the realities of working with children and families affected by ACEs.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme. 

The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that students can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs. 

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion. 

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills. 

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. 

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules. 

This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector. 

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.

Grading:

The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.