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Certificate in Understanding Distressed Behaviour in Children

Certificate in Understanding Distressed Behaviour in Children

2026/27

Course Overview

Course
P01074
Start Date
Various
Study Hours
Part Time
Duration
16 weeks
Start time
00:00 am
End time
00:00 am
Campus
DISTANCE
Level
Level 2

As children grow up, it is normal for them to test boundaries and show different emotions. Sometimes, however, their behaviour may be a sign that they are struggling. This could include anger, becoming withdrawn, being aggressive, finding it hard to concentrate, avoiding others, or behaving in ways that may put themselves or others at risk.

This online course will help you understand what distressed behaviour is, why it happens, and how to respond in a calm and supportive way. You will also learn how things like autism, learning disabilities, sensory needs and mental health can affect behaviour, along with the key laws and guidance for supporting children safely.

In year 1 you will learn:

- Understanding Distressed Behaviour
- Supporting Children with Distressed Behaviour
- Mental Health and Distressed Behaviour
- Learning Disabilities and Behaviour
- Autism, Sensory Needs and Behaviour
- Laws and Good Practice

If you have chosen to complete the course online you will receive a welcome email from Equal, our online learning platform. On there you will see a guidance video explaining how the platform works and you will find your initial submission dates there too.

You must be over 19.

During the application process, you are asked the following: Please describe why you have chosen this course and what you hope to gain from completing it. Please include anything you already know regarding the subject. This helps us check this is the right course at the right level for you. We also need to confirm that you haven't completed the qualification, or similar, before. This is for funding purposes.

We ask for a description, for this you must write in full sentences, we would expect around 2 paragraphs.

If you do not meet the required standard, we will give you a second opportunity to answer the question. If the required standard is still not met, we will sign post you to our careers team for advice and guidance.

If you are not a British Citizen, you may have to complete a Right to Study Assessment, or provide a Share Code, to ensure you qualify for government funding. We cannot fund you if you live in a Devolved Area.

Annual Tuition fee: £0

Awarding organisations have moved away from issuing physical certificates to support environmental sustainability, reduce their carbon footprint, and make it easier to obtain a replacement certificate if required. If you would like a printed certificate, this can be requested at a cost of £46, payable by the learner.

Build confidence in understanding why children show distressed behaviour and learn practical techniques to respond calmly and supportively. This helps create more positive relationships and a safer, more settled environment at home or in everyday life.

Gain essential skills valued across childcare, education, youth work and health social care. You’ll learn how to assess behaviour, record incidents, use supportive strategies and understand key legislation - strengthening your practice and boosting your employability.

A perfect next step is the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health, which builds on the mental‑health‑related learning covered in this course’s units.

Apply online via the College website. You will be contacted to come into College if required, or you will be sent a conditional offer according to the entry requirements for the course. You will then be invited to enrol for your chosen course of study. We are unable to grant extensions on Unit 1, please only apply to do this course if you are ready to start it now and have time available.