The Association of Child and Family Coaches

Founded by Dr Sam Ballington (PhD), the Association of Child and Family Coaches (ACFC) is an international accreditation body committed to supporting high standards and quality in the field of child and family coaching. Built on a comprehensive and rigorous ethical framework, the ACFC aims to ensure that therapeutic coaches working with children and families possess the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding necessary to make a meaningful impact.
Certified Training and Professional Development

The ACFC offers a wide range of accredited training programmes designed for both new and experienced coaches, including diplomas and specialised certifications in:

  • Parent Coaching Practice
  • Holistic Family Coaching
  • Mental Well-being for Children and Young People
  • Therapeutic Play Coaching
  • Creative Therapeutic Arts Coaching
  • Trauma-Informed Coaching with Children and Families
  • Neurodivergent-affirming Family Coaching... and more. 

Additional specialist training opportunities are available for those looking to expand their skills, with courses such as Lego Therapy, Sand Tray Interventions, and Holistic Sleep Coaching.

To book onto self-paced training, please visit our training catalogue with our official training parter, the National College for Care and Education. If you are interested in the 12-week Taught LaunchPad programme, please click here. 

If you're interested in exploring these training options, we invite you to book a Discovery Call through the link or reach out to us directly. All of our diploma programmes are accredited by the ACFC and include membership to the Association.
The Co-Regulated Coach Membership - Launching in December 2025

When adults understand regulation, children feel safe.
When adults are supported, families flourish.
No one should do this work alone.

The Co-Regulated Coach Membership gives parents, educators, social care professionals and coaches a place to learn, reflect and stay emotionally regulated while supporting children.

This isn’t a course.
It’s a professional and personal support system. 

If you also become an accredited Child and Family Coach, you can join our member network and gain a listing on our directory of services and the chance to connect with other professionals in the field. Members also have access to monthly resources, CPD opportunities, and collaborative spaces within our membership portal, enhancing both professional development and community.

For coaches passionate about making a positive difference in children’s lives and supporting families with the highest level of expertise, the Association of Child and Family Coaches offers a pathway to excellence, recognition, and an unparalleled professional community. Join us today.

Find out more about the Co-Regulated Coach Membership here. 
Partnership Opportunity 

A unique opportunity for trainers and coaches to partner with us to deliver our training. We will take care of all the administration, awarding organisation quality processes, and tech - you focus on what you love. Teach and coach! Please take a look at the Partnership opportunity for more information. 
The Junior Coaching Ambassador Programme - Launching in Summer 2026

The CACHE-accredited, 3-stage programme is designed for children and young people aged 8-18 who want to become mental wellbeing and coaching ambassadors for their peers. Find out more about this unique programme right here, and enrol your child on a life-changing journey to support others through the challenges that only people their own age will truly understand. 
The Play, Grow, Lead Summit - 6th June 2026 - Book Your Tickets Now!

Proudly Sponsored by: Aperion SEND Training and Consultancy

The Play, Grow, Lead Summit is a gathering of changemakers. On this day, child and family coaches, early years educators, social care professionals, play therapists, wellbeing practitioners, and parenting specialists will come together to connect, grow, and lead.

This event is powered by the Association of Child and Family Coaches (ACFC) — the UK’s growing professional body for coaching and therapeutic playful practice with children and families. We are proud to champion playful approaches, co-regulation, and evidence-informed support for families everywhere, and The National College for Care and Education (NCCE) — a specialist training provider in Early Years, Education, and Family Wellbeing.
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The Association of Child and Family Coaches, Independent Education Group Ltd. 2025