What you will learn?
Lecture slides
Full course Handout
Case study
To maximize learning, participants are required to attempt the case study before reviewing the suggested answers. This ensures independent reflection and critical thinking, allowing you to fully apply the principles of trauma-informed governance to a real-world scenario.
After completing your responses, you may then consult the provided guidance and model answers to compare approaches, reflect on decision-making, and consolidate your understanding.
Participants must successfully complete the multiple-choice assessment at the end of the course in order to download their certificate of completion. This ensures that key learning outcomes have been understood and applied, reinforcing your knowledge of ACEs and trauma-informed governance.
About the course
Understanding ACEs for Governors – Introductory Course
Course Description:
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a profound impact on children’s wellbeing, learning, and future life outcomes. For school governors, understanding ACEs is key to fostering safe, supportive, and trauma-aware school environments.
This self-paced online course equips governors with practical knowledge, strategies, and confidence to champion student wellbeing and resilience. Through engaging content, interactive slides, case studies, and reflection exercises, governors will explore the science of ACEs, their effects on children and families, and how schools can respond effectively.
While this course is non-accredited, it provides valuable professional insight and actionable strategies for governance, enhancing your leadership and decision-making in school settings.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Define ACEs and understand their prevalence and impact on children’s development.
Recognize the links between ACEs, mental health, and learning outcomes.
Understand the governor’s role in supporting trauma-informed schools.
Identify strategies to create safe, nurturing, and resilient school environments.
Apply learning to real-life scenarios through reflection and case study analysis.
earning Materials:
Handout (PDF) – Includes:
ACE definitions and examples
Summary of impacts on learning and behavior
Trauma-informed strategies checklist
Key references and resources
Case Study Assessment
Scenario: A student with multiple ACEs shows academic decline and behavioral challenges.
Participants reflect on governance actions and policy considerations.
Delivery Method:
Fully self-paced online
Engaging slides
Approximate completion time: 4 hours
Why Governors Should Enroll:
Gain essential knowledge for safeguarding and wellbeing
Enhance strategic leadership and policy-making skills
Make a tangible difference in the lives of students affected by trauma
Flexible, online learning to fit your schedule
Please note: This course is not yet formally accredited, and CPD hours are based on the estimated learning time.
About the teacher
Dr Lydia Taiwo
DSc Pathology - Patient Testing, ACEs Educator & Specialist Consultant, Diploma Safeguarding &...
Dr. Lydia Taiwo is an award-winning author, trauma-informed educator, and leading specialist consultant on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, and safeguarding practice. With a PhD in Patient Testing and extensive experience in training professionals across education, health, and social care, Dr. Taiwo combines academic expertise with powerful lived experience as an ACEs survivor.
She has authored over a dozen influential books on trauma, safeguarding, and child protection, widely used by educators and practitioners in the UK and internationally. Through her work with Haven Hall, Dr. Taiwo empowers professionals to understand ACEs, recognise trauma, and create safer, more compassionate environments for children, parents, and adult survivors.
Her message is clear and inspiring:
-Your ACE score does not define your destiny — awareness, empathy, and the right support can change everything.
