Delivery Method: Online learning
Course Duration: 2 hours
CPD Points: 2
Assessment: 12-question multiple-choice assessment
Pass Mark: 80%
Certificate: Certificate of completion issued following successful completion
Course Description
Supporting Children with Additional Support Needs is an interactive online CPD course designed to help practitioners recognise, understand and respond effectively when a child may require additional support.
The course encourages learners to move beyond labels, assumptions and one-size-fits-all strategies and instead consider the individual child, their strengths, communication, behaviour, environment and experiences.
Learners explore how barriers can affect participation and how thoughtful changes to environments, communication and adult practice can make everyday experiences more accessible.
The course takes a UK-wide approach, recognising the different terminology and frameworks used across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for anyone working with or supporting children, including:
- Early years and childcare practitioners
- Nursery and preschool staff
- Childminders
- Teachers and education staff
- Teaching and learning support staff
- Play and out-of-school care workers
- Family support and community practitioners
- Managers, supervisors and team leaders
- Other professionals working directly with children
No previous knowledge or formal qualification in additional support needs is required.
Course Content
Lesson 1 – Understanding Additional Needs in Children
Explores what additional support needs can look like, differences in terminology across the UK and why support should not depend upon a formal diagnosis.
Lesson 2 – Recognising When a Child May Need Additional Support
Examines how practitioners can notice patterns, observe the whole child and record factual information without making assumptions.
Lesson 3 – Understanding the Child Behind the Behaviour
Encourages learners to look beyond visible behaviour, consider possible underlying barriers and prioritise regulation, understanding and connection.
Lesson 4 – Creating an Inclusive Environment
Explores how routines, environments, sensory experiences and adult expectations can create or reduce barriers to participation.
Lesson 5 – Communication, Interaction and Participation
Considers communication beyond spoken language, processing time, accessible communication and meaningful participation.
Lesson 6 – Working in Partnership with Families
Explores respectful communication with families, recognising family knowledge and working collaboratively to understand and support the child.
Lesson 7 – Observation, Support and the Graduated Approach
Introduces a structured cycle of observation, planning, support and review, including Assess → Plan → Do → Review.
Lesson 8 – Putting Inclusive Practice into Action
Brings the learning together through practical scenarios and support planning, helping learners apply a child-centred approach to everyday practice.
Lesson 9 – Additional Resources and Downloads
Provides practical resources that learners can use within their own practice, including observation, inclusion, communication and support-planning tools.
Lesson 10 – Course Summary and Final Assessment
Summarises the key principles before learners complete the final assessment.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the broad nature of additional support needs and recognise that support does not always require a formal diagnosis.
- Identify patterns and barriers that may indicate a child requires additional support.
- Use factual observation rather than labels or assumptions.
- Consider what may be contributing to behaviour and difficulties with participation.
- Identify environmental and communication adjustments that can improve inclusion.
- Support different ways of communicating, interacting and participating.
- Recognise the importance of children’s and families’ knowledge and perspectives.
- Use a cyclical approach to assess, plan, implement and review support.
- Evaluate whether adjustments are making a meaningful difference for the child.
- Apply inclusive, strengths-based and child-centred approaches within everyday practice.
Learning Methods
The course uses a range of learning methods to encourage active participation and practical application, including written learning content, visual resources, interactive scenarios, decision-making activities, case studies, reflective exercises and downloadable practice resources.
Learners can progress through the online course at their own pace and revisit content where required.
Assessment
Learners complete a 12-question multiple-choice final assessment.
A minimum score of 80% is required to successfully complete the course.
The assessment evaluates understanding of the principles covered throughout the course and the learner’s ability to apply these principles to realistic situations.
Certification & CPD
The course has a learning duration of approximately 2 hours and carries 2 CPD points.
Following successful completion of the course and final assessment, learners receive a certificate of completion from First Stop Safety Training Ltd.
Key Course Message
Start with the child, not the label.
Notice what is happening, understand the potential barrier, make thoughtful adjustments and review whether those changes have made a meaningful difference.