Understand why many children display aspects of distressed behaviour at some point, but eventually develop the necessary skills to grow out of this. Explore how some children (especially those with a learning disability, sensory issues or a mental health condition) do not develop these skills and are therefore unable to make sure that their needs are met, which ultimately leads to distressed behaviour.

This course will provide you with a detailed understanding of distressed behaviour in children, including how such behaviour can be assessed and the kind of avoidance techniques that can help minimise the effects of behaviour that challenges. You will also look at how different coexisting conditions, such as a learning disability, a mental health condition, and sensory issues and autism, can impact on behaviour and how to support those children who experience these complex behaviours.


Meet our students Elizabeth Lefever

Elizabeth Lefever

I’ve always wanted to work in the childcare industry and chose this course as the best option to further my career. I like the fact that I have work placements in nurseries and schools to get more experience and become more confident. The support staff and teachers are happy to help and full of encouragement.

Child Care

Meet our students Laura Pearce

Laura Pearce

As a teaching assistant, I find the course extremely relevant to my job. The course has taught me a lot about children’s learning development, and I’m applying what I’ve learnt so far within my role at the school where I work. Studying for a degree in Newbury is an advantage to me. I was thrilled that UCN’s partnership with the University of Reading made this possible for me. More...

Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning

  • Description

    Throughout the programme you will study a number of specific units, including:

    • Unit 1: Awareness of distressed behaviour in children.
    • Unit 2: Distressed behaviour and mental health
    • Unit 3: Distressed behaviour and learning disabilities
    • Unit 4: Distressed behaviour, sensory issues and autism
    • Unit 5: Legislation supporting behaviour that challenges in children.

    Study Online courses allow you to complete your study from the comfort of your own home, in your own time. A specialist tutor will be assigned to you for the duration of your course and will provide individual support and guidance.

    The course begins with an initial induction phone call, after which you will be issued access to the online learning platform to start your course. Regular access to a computer and a stable internet connection is essential. Public areas such as your local library can allow you access to a computer and internet, should you not have access to your own.

  • Entry Requirements

    This is an online course for adults aged 19+ and funding is based on your location. You can apply if you are aged 19+ and have lived in the UK for the last three years. Ages 19 to 23: you are eligible for free courses if you have already achieved a full Level 2 qualification or equivalent (5 or more GCSEs at grade 9/A* to 4/C) Ages 24+: Our Level 2 Study Online programmes are free to UK Nationals regardless of previous qualifications.

    A basic level of numeracy and literacy is required with general computer skills to for navigating the Online Learning Platform.

  • Qualification

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Distressed Behaviour in Children

  • Progression

    Progression options include; Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF), Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Awareness (RQF), Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities (RQF), Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism (RQF)

  • Assessment

    You will complete an assessment at the end of each module/unit. These assessments are tutor marked, internally moderated and then moderated by the awarding body.

  • Home Study

    Study will be home-based and at your discretion within the timeframe stipulated by tutor.

  • Work Placement

    You do not have to work in this sector to complete the course.

  • Fees and Additional Costs

    Our Level 2 Study Online programmes are available for FREE to UK nationals aged 19 and over. Subject to meeting the entry and funding criteria.

Code Day Start End Times Fees*
TQ/UDBC 232401 Flexible Start - £0

Apply now

* Terms and conditions apply. The fees stated on this website are for guidance purposes only and should be checked before enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, fees shown are for tuition only, over one academic year. Where a course is longer than one academic year, the fees stated are for the first year, and the cost of the second or subsequent years will be discussed at interview. For details of fee remission for students over 19 click here. If you think you may be entitled to a concession or fee remission, or you would like more information on the additional costs associated with your chosen course, please contact us on 01635 845000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..