Children experience the world in different ways, and for some, early experiences of stress or trauma can have a significant impact on how they feel, behave, and learn.
In early years settings, practitioners play a key role in recognising when children may be overwhelmed, distressed, or struggling to regulate their emotions. Understanding the impact of trauma helps practitioners respond with empathy, build strong relationships, and create environments where children feel safe and supported.
This course provides practical, real-world guidance to help you understand trauma-informed practice and confidently support children in your setting.
Designed for practitioners working across England and Scotland, this course supports good practice aligned with current guidance and inspection expectations.
🎯 What This Course Covers
Throughout this course, you will explore:
- What trauma-informed practice means in early years
- The impact of trauma and stress on children’s development
- Recognising signs of distress and dysregulation
- Supporting emotional regulation through co-regulation
- Creating safe, calm, and predictable environments
- Building secure relationships with children
- Responding to behaviour as communication
- Working in partnership with parents and carers
- Supporting practitioner wellbeing and recognising secondary trauma
- Embedding trauma-informed practice across the whole setting
📚 Course Content
This course is structured into short, focused lessons:
Getting Started
Lesson 1: Introduction to Trauma-Informed Practice
Lesson 2: Understanding the Impact of Trauma
Lesson 3: Recognising Signs of Trauma
Lesson 4: Impact on Development
Lesson 5: Recognising Behaviour and Emotional Needs
Lesson 6: Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice
Lesson 7: Creating Safe and Supportive Environments
Lesson 8: Supporting Emotional Regulation
Lesson 9: Building Secure Relationships
Lesson 10: Responding to Behaviour
Lesson 11: Working with Parents and Carers
Lesson 12: Practitioner Wellbeing and Secondary Trauma
Lesson 13: Embedding Trauma-Informed Practice
Lesson 14: Additional Resources & Useful Links
Course Summary and Assessment
🎬 Interactive and Engaging Learning
This course is designed to be practical, interactive, and easy to follow.
You will take part in:
🎬 Short lesson videos
🧠 Interactive activities and knowledge checks
✏️ Practical application tasks
💭 Reflection activities linked to real practice
🎯 A final assessment to test your understanding
These activities are designed to help you apply learning directly to your everyday practice.
👩🏫 Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for:
- Early Years practitioners
- Nursery staff
- Childminders
- Playworkers
- Teaching assistants
- Students and trainees in Early Years
🎓 CPD and Certification
This course contributes to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Approximate duration: 60 minutes
- Includes interactive activities and a final assessment
- Certificate provided upon successful completion
This training can be used as evidence for:
- CPD portfolios
- Staff training records
- Inspections (Ofsted / Care Inspectorate)
🌟 Why This Course Matters
Understanding the impact of trauma is essential for supporting children’s wellbeing and development.
When practitioners recognise that behaviour is often a form of communication, they can respond in ways that reduce stress, build trust, and support emotional development.
This course focuses on practical, child-centred strategies to help you create environments where children feel safe, understood, and able to thrive.
⚠️ Important Note
This course provides guidance on trauma-informed practice in early years settings.
It does not replace safeguarding procedures, setting policies, or professional judgement.
🚀 Get Started
When you’re ready, begin with:
👉 Lesson 1: Introduction to Trauma-Informed Practice