ACEs: Recognition and Response

Delivery options available:

• Trainer-led On-site from £325 + VAT
• Trainer-led Online from £325 + VAT
• On-demand from £225 + VAT (available on request)

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) highlights the crucial role of education staff in recognising and responding to children who may have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. These experiences can have a profound impact on children’s behaviour, well-being, and educational outcomes.

Recognising trauma is not always straightforward. It requires professional curiosity to look beyond presenting behaviours or partial disclosures to understand the underlying causes. The so-called ‘toxic trio’ or ‘trio of vulnerabilities’ (domestic abuse, parental mental ill health, and substance misuse), are commonly seen in families where children are at risk. However, the presence of these factors does not always mean a child is in immediate danger, and their absence does not guarantee safety. Other experiences such as poverty, bullying, or emotional neglect can also have a lasting impact and must not be overlooked.

This 1-hour whole-school session uses a blend of videos, current research, and scenarios.

Content

• Develop understanding of ACEs, brain development, and the lifelong impacts of childhood trauma.
• Deepen staff awareness of how ACEs affect behaviour, learning, and well-being.
• Build confidence in recognising signs of trauma.
• Encourage professional curiosity in safeguarding practice.
• Provide practical strategies for staff, including healthy coping strategies, adult-led regulation and self-regulation tools, and grounding techniques to support students displaying concerning behaviours.
• Strengthen staff response in line with KCSiE guidance.

What's Included

• Participation certificate for all attendees.

Safeguarding Simplified

• Online assessment to support compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education. 

Price £115 (99 credits for package holders)

15 multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to demonstrate understanding. Results are compiled into a clear management report with RAG (Red, Amber, Green) ratings to highlight strengths and areas for development.

• School staff and volunteers

• Governors, trustees and management committees

• Early years settings (see our Early Years Safeguarding Practitioner eLearning option)

• Registered childcare providers (see our Early Years Safeguarding Practitioner eLearning option)

• Education providers

• Apprenticeship and work experience provision

• Corporate social responsibility programmes (CSR)