Attachment and Trauma-Informed Care in Children Course

Attachment and Trauma-Informed Care in Children – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces attachment theory and trauma-informed care, exploring how early relationships and traumatic experiences can affect children’s behaviour, development and relationships. Learners will examine different attachment patterns, recognise potential signs of attachment difficulties and explore ways to create safe, nurturing environments. The course also considers supportive approaches, positive relationships and accessing additional help when concerns arise. It takes approximately one hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point.

Please note: This is an introductory Level 1 course providing awareness and theoretical knowledge of attachment and trauma-informed care. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to attachment theory
• Attachment during the early years
• Stages and types of attachment
• The potential impact of insecure attachment
• Attachment difficulties and how they may be recognised in young children
• Theories of attachment disorders
• Attachment and behaviour in school settings
• The relationship between trauma and attachment
• The effects of trauma on attachment
• Responding to concerns about a child
• Encouraging positive relationships
• Support strategies for children experiencing attachment difficulties
• Parenting a child with attachment difficulties
• Creating safe and nurturing environments
• Accessing additional support

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for people who work with or care for children who may have experienced trauma or attachment difficulties. It may be particularly useful for:
• Social workers and child protection professionals
• Teachers, teaching assistants and other school staff
• Counsellors, therapists and mental health practitioners working with children
• Foster carers and adoptive parents
• Kinship carers
• Healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors and psychologists
• Professionals supporting children’s emotional well-being and development
• Individuals completing induction, refresher or awareness training
• Staff seeking to strengthen their understanding of attachment and trauma-informed care

Practical benefits
• Develop an understanding of attachment theory and early relationships
• Recognise how insecure attachment may affect children’s behaviour and relationships
• Improve awareness of possible attachment difficulties in young children
• Understand how trauma can influence attachment and emotional well-being
• Explore ways to build positive, supportive relationships with children
• Identify approaches for creating safe and nurturing environments
• Understand when concerns may require further advice or additional support
• Strengthen knowledge for everyday practice, induction and refresher training
• Gain a free CPD-accredited certificate after successfully completing the course quiz

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key principles and terminology relating to attachment and trauma-informed care
• Recognise the importance of attachment and trauma awareness in everyday practice
• Identify potential signs of attachment difficulties in children
• Understand how early relationships and traumatic experiences may affect behaviour
• Recognise individual responsibilities and the boundaries of their role
• Apply appropriate good-practice principles when supporting children
• Explore strategies for promoting positive relationships and a nurturing environment
• Communicate concerns appropriately with relevant people
• Recognise when advice, reporting or additional support may be required
• Use their learning to contribute to safer and more consistent care

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz at the end of the course. Successful completion leads to a free CPD-accredited certificate that can be downloaded or printed. Unlimited assessment retakes are available. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is delivered online for flexible study.