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What is ACEs? – A Basic Introduction
This short, self-paced online course provides a simple introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — potentially traumatic events in childhood that can impact health, behaviour, and wellbeing later in life. Through engaging slides, a downloadable handout, a short case study, and an end-of-course assessment, learners will gain a clear understanding of what ACEs are, why they matter, and how awareness can support early intervention. A downloadable CPD certificate is awarded upon completion.
Who is it for?
Ideal for teachers, school staff, parents, carers, health and social care professionals, and anyone new to the topic of childhood trauma and safeguarding.
Learning Objectives:
Define what ACEs are and identify their main categories.
Understand how early experiences affect behaviour and wellbeing.
Recognise the importance of ACE awareness in supporting children and families.
Handout
Case Study Introduction
This short case study helps you apply what you’ve learned about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in a real-life school scenario. It’s designed to help you think about how ACEs can affect a child’s emotions, behaviour, and learning. Try to reflect on the questions before looking at the suggested answers — this will strengthen your understanding and help you connect theory to practice.
Case Study Introduction
This short case study helps you apply what you’ve learned about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in a real-life school scenario. It’s designed to help you think about how ACEs can affect a child’s emotions, behaviour, and learning. Try to reflect on the questions before looking at the suggested answers — this will strengthen your understanding and help you connect theory to practice.
This short quiz is designed to help you reflect on your learning from the “What is ACEs?” course. There are 5 multiple-choice questions based on the key concepts and case study you’ve just completed.
To successfully complete this course and download your CPD Certificate, you must answer all questions correctly. You can review your notes, handouts, and slides before submitting your answers.
Take your time — this assessment is part of your learning journey and helps reinforce your understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences and their impact on children and young people.
Mō te akoranga
Course Overview
This self-paced, 2-hour CPD course introduces learners to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — potentially traumatic events in childhood that can have lasting effects on health, behaviour, and learning. The course provides knowledge and trauma-informed approaches for anyone working with or caring for children and young people.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for:
Teachers and School Staff (including boarding schools)
Safeguarding and Pastoral Teams
Health and Social Care Professionals
Parents, Carers, and Foster Families
Community Workers and Faith Leaders
What You’ll Learn
Understand what ACEs are and their three main categories: abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction
Recognise how toxic stress affects brain development, behaviour, and school performance
Identify protective factors that build resilience and buffer against trauma
Apply trauma-informed practices in education and care settings
Learn strategies for self-care and professional wellbeing
Access UK and international resources for further support
Course Components
Interactive Lecture Slides (self-paced learning)
Downloadable Handout – key definitions and UK/Global statistics
Case Study – linking theory to practice with reflection questions and answers
Multiple Choice Assessment – 10 questions to consolidate knowledge
Certificate of Completion – 2-hour CPD, downloadable upon passing.
Please note: this CPD certificate is not accredited, but it can be used as self-directed learning evidence for your professional development portfolio.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will:
Gain an understanding of how ACEs shape development and behaviour
Contribute to creating ACE-aware, trauma-informed communities
Please note: This course is not yet formally accredited, and CPD hours are based on the estimated learning time.
For more information or group bookings:
www.havenhalltraining.org.uk
© Dr Lydia Taiwo | Haven Hall Training 2025 – All Rights Reserved
