A tough day today – 14 hours clocked up already as I write; but I feel it necessary to comment on the excellent attachment training that was delivered by our Educational Psychologist tonight.
I have had a considerable amount of experience in working with young people with a lot of issues surrounding their early development, stemming from negative attachment as a result of early trauma and/or significant social difficulties within the family group post-birth.
The training was well attended by primary colleagues and our own school staff; a testament to the quality sessions we have delivered beforehand.
Whilst brain development was already a particular area of interest for me, this was still an excellent session; varied styles of learning coupled with informative and concise information.
It considered the concept of attachment as a foundation for emotional growth, the role of the adult in promoting positive attachment relationships and of course, the potential presenting behaviour in the classroom.
This session was so useful for those requiring a deeper understanding of the needs of young people with significant needs arising from early neglect; lack of affection and/or trauma. It is important, however, to remember that whatever the history of need, and the difficulties with development, we need to retain consistent and realistic expectations for the young people with whom we work.
References and further reading
- Sutherland, Margot (2006) The Science of Parenting (DK Publishing)
- Geddes, Heather (2006) Attachment in the Classroom (Worth Publishing)
- LeDoux, Joseph (2002) Synaptic Self – how we become who we are (US: Viking Penguin)
- Broks, Paul (2003) Into The Silent Land – Travels in Neuropsychology (Atlantic Books)
- BBC Home: The brain
- Also works by John Bowlby and Vera Fahlberg