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It’s a lesson worth bearing in mind for most of the research finding its way into schools: it’s never going to be a direct translation to the classroom. If we want to help children with attachment, the stuff we need to read about is not generalised research from multiple settings but research in which children have been successfully helped in school by teachers. This paper has been produced to inform thinking about the impact of adverse childhood experiences and how to use the Pupil Equity Funding to reduce the attainment gap. It highlights key factors that play a role in children achieving their potential. Steele, H and Steele, M (2018) Handbook of attachment-based interventions. London: Guilford Press Recognize that a child is going into survival mode and respond in a kind, compassionate way. When you notice that a child might be having a difficult time, start by asking yourself, “What’s happening here?” rather than “What’s wrong with this child?” This simple mental switch can help you realize that the student has been triggered into a fear response, which can take many forms. The original ACE Study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente from 1995 to 1997. Around 17,000 mostly white, middle class college-educated people in Southern California completed surveys about their childhood experiences and current health status and behaviours, and received physical exams ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2016). The findings of this research resulted in the development of the ‘ACE Pyramid’, which represents the conceptual framework for the ACE Study and the study’s findings identify a link between childhood experiences, and adult health and wellbeing outcomes: Meltzer, H., Gatward, R, Corbin, T., Goodman, R. and Ford, T. (2003) The mental health of young people looked after by local authorities in England. Office for National Statistics/Department of Health. London: The Stationery Office.
The theory behind ACEs is that adverse childhood experiences lead to neurobiological impacts and health risks, which in turn lead to long-term social and health problems. The greater the neurobiological impacts and health risks, the more serious the lifelong consequences to health and wellbeing. ( Kahn and Vezzuto 2015) Impact of trauma on educational outcomes
Trauma and attachment
Sexual abuse: An adult, relative, family friend, or stranger who was at least 5 years older than you ever touched or fondled your body in a sexual way, made you touch his/her body in a sexual way, attempted to have any type of sexual intercourse with you. Enmeshed attachment: attachment that is so close that it hampers the child developing independence and autonomy. Disorganised attachment: Added in the 1990s, infants with a disorganised attachment tend to show no consistent pattern in behaviour towards their caregiver. For example, they may show intense proximity-seeking behaviour one moment, then avoid or ignore the caregiver the next. Findings in this report aim to inform the potential benefits to mental health in Wales of developing resilience both in children and adults to mitigate at least some of the detrimental impacts of experiencing ACEs. It includes recommendations of actions that can be taken to support young people to develop resilience. Rossen, E and Cowan, KC (2013) The role of schools in supporting traumatized students. Principal’s Research Review, 8(6), pp.1–7 ( pdf)
separation distress - experiencing anxiety in the absence of their primary caregiver. They are upset when their caregiver leaves, but happy to see them and easily comforted when they return Fearon, R. P., Bakermans‐Kranenburg, M. J., Van IJzendoorn, M. H., Lapsley, A. M. and Roisman, G. I. (2010) ‘The significance of insecure attachment and disorganization in the development of children’s externalizing behavior: a meta‐analytic study’, Child Development 81 (2) pp. 435–456. The next thing that teachers need to recognise, says Steele, is the “typical” attachment of a child. During this stage of their development, a baby might start to show a preference for their primary and secondary caregivers (often the mother and father). 6-8 months until 18 months-2 years The NSPCC has many services that children and families can be referred to, from supporting parents and carers in taking care of their children to preventing sexual abuse and overcoming abuse.
Attachment issues
Nurturing adult attachments provide children with protective, safe havens and secure bases from which to explore and engage with others and their environment (Bowlby 1988) We have a wide range of advice, resources and training for supporting the young people you work with. Go to our resources and advice One of the leading figures in the research field currently is Howard Steele, a professor of psychology and co-director of the Centre for Attachment Research at the New School for Social Research in New York. He says a basic grounding in the theory is key. For example, he argues, it is important to recognise that children can develop four styles of attachment in their family unit: Some of that “involves valuing the effort that the child puts in and not worrying or making them worry about the outcome,” he continues. “Very often we focus on the outcome and [not enough] on how we can achieve it.”
Burke, N et al. (2011) The impact of adverse childhood experiences on an urban pediatric population. Child Abuse & Neglect, 35(6), pp.408-413 ( paywalled and author manuscript)NYSUT and Co-Ordinated Care Services Inc (2015) Webinar: Trauma Sensitive Schools: transformational school climate change ( YouTube video) Think about all your previous experiences with the child and their caregivers, to help you build a clear picture of their relationships and recognise any concerning patterns of behaviour. The impact of trauma and attachment Early care-giving has a long-lasting impact on development, the ability to learn, capacity to regulate emotions and form satisfying relationships (Siegel 2012) This evaluation aims to: provide an independent assessment of the outcomes of the Attachment Aware Schools Programme in developing knowledge and understanding of the effects of trauma and neglect on attachment and
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