In September 2019 we joined the Derbyshire Attachment Aware Schools programme (ARAS). Due to the Covid pandemic this became an online course. Since then, the programme has been re-branded as Attachment and Relationship Aware. We are proud to display our certificate in the reception area.

What does being Attachment and Relationship Aware mean?

Attachment awareness has been placed firmly on the map in Derbyshire and is continuing to challenge practices and policies. ARAS schools report that they have become more inclusive, and that they see staff conversations have really changed around behaviour, to include seeing the context of the whole child.

Link to Derbyshire County Council programme for schools

How has being on the programme changes our approach to teaching?

Whilst all staff have had training in using the Thrive approach with all children the Attachment Aware Programme has provided staff with the knowledge and understanding of the importance of an attachment aware approach which has shaped our ethos, pedagogy and practice. The work has enabled staff to re-focus upon both the content of conversations and the language used.

How is an attachment aware approach different to Thrive?

It’s not. Both approaches draw on the latest research -from current neuroscience, recent attachment research, current studies of effective learning and current models of child development – in order to help the school to understand the needs being signalled by children’s behaviour. It gives us targeted strategies and activities to help them re-engage with learning and life.