Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (Child and Youth Support Pathway) - Level 2
Summary
Are you interested in understanding how early life experiences can affect a person’s development, wellbeing, and future opportunities? The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Technical Occupational Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences is ideal for anyone who wants to build knowledge of trauma, resilience, and the long-term impact of childhood adversity. It is particularly relevant for those interested in careers in health, social care, education, youth work, or support services.
During the course, you will explore what adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are and how they can influence emotional, social, and physical development. You will develop an understanding of how trauma can affect behaviour, relationships, mental health, and life chances, while also learning why early support and intervention are so important.
You will also examine trauma-informed approaches and the role professionals can play in responding with sensitivity, care, and understanding. This qualification can support progression into further study and strengthen your awareness for roles involving children, young people, families, or vulnerable adults.
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
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.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This course is a valuable qualification for anyone interested in careers where understanding trauma, child development, and emotional wellbeing is important. It is particularly relevant to areas such as health and social care, education, youth support, safeguarding, family services, and community-based support roles. This course can help you build the knowledge needed for further study or to strengthen your understanding if you are already working or volunteering in a support setting.
This course forms part of the Child and Youth Support Pathway, which includes:
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Technical Occupational Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People’s Workforce
Studying this qualification can support progression into further training and roles involving children, young people, families, and vulnerable adults. It is especially useful for those looking to develop a trauma-informed understanding that can be applied across a wide range of care and support environments. By completing this course, you will gain knowledge that can support future career development in education, care, safeguarding, and youth-focused services.
Next steps at B&FC
Having successfully completed this qualification, learners can continue on the Child and Youth Support Pathway with the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People’s Workforce. Having successfully completed this pathway, learners can then continue their journey within the Working in Early Years pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College.
Employment Opportunities
This qualification can support progression into entry-level roles where an understanding of trauma, child development, and emotional wellbeing is valuable.
Potential job titles include Youth Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Community Support Worker, Residential Care Support Worker, and Children’s Services Support Worker.
It may also strengthen applications for volunteering or support roles involving children, young people, families, or vulnerable adults.
Key information
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 qualification will help you develop an understanding of how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can affect children, young people, families, and wider communities. Through the mandatory units, you will explore the impact of childhood adversity and how professionals can respond in supportive and informed ways.
Exploring Childhood and Family Structures, you will examine different family structures and childhood experiences, and consider how home environments and relationships can shape a child’s development and wellbeing.
Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences, you will learn what ACEs are, the different forms they can take, and the ways they may affect emotional, social, behavioural, and physical development throughout life.
Understand Strategies to Improve Outcomes for Children Affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences, you will explore approaches that can help reduce the long-term impact of trauma. This includes the importance of early intervention, supportive practice, resilience, and trauma-informed responses.
By the end of the course, you will have built valuable knowledge of childhood adversity and gained a stronger understanding of how this learning can be applied in care, education, support, and community-based settings.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
To undertake this qualification, learners must be working or volunteering within an appropriate setting to be able to meet the assessment requirements of the course. This enables learners to apply their knowledge in practice and gather the evidence needed for successful completion.
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 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.