ACEs & the Toxic Trio Training (Non-Statutory)

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) emphasizes the critical role of education staff in identifying children who may have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse and neglect, which can have lasting effects on their behaviour, well-being, and educational outcomes.

The ‘toxic trio’ or ‘trio of vulnerabilities’— domestic violence, parental mental health issues, and substance abuse — has been identified as common factors in families where children are at risk of harm. However, it is important to note that the presence of one or more of these factors does not always indicate that a child is in immediate danger. Conversely, the absence of the toxic trio does not rule out the possibility of harm. In some cases, other factors such as bereavement, bullying, or emotional neglect may go overlooked if too much focus is placed on these three vulnerabilities.

This 1-hour whole-school session integrates videos, current research, and scenarios to build staff confidence in understanding the complexity of these issues.

Content

• Understanding ACEs, brain development and the lifelong impacts of childhood trauma.

• Professional curiosity and awareness of the signs and indicators associated with trauma.

• Review of domestic abuse, parental mental health issues, and substance abuse.

• Exploring the interconnected nature of the toxic trio and recognising the full spectrum of adversities that may affect a child's safety and well-being.

• Practical Strategies for Staff including healthy coping strategies, self-regulation tools, and grounding techniques to build confidence in supporting students displaying concerning behaviours.

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)