Observing Children with Attachment Difficulties in School ─ A Tool for Identifying and Supporting Emotional and Social Difficulties in Children Aged 5-11

Emotional difficulties in children aged 5 11 can display themselves in a range of different behaviors, and it is important for staff in schools to be able to identify and address these problems, and to provide appropriate help.

Kim S. Golding is a consultant clinical psychologist with a special interest in parenting. She was involved in the setting up and evaluation of an inter-agency project in Worcestershire, UK, which is now part of the Integrated Service for Looked After Children (ISL). She is author of Observing Children with Attachment Difficulties in Preschool Settings, Creating Loving Attachments (co-authored with Daniel A. Hughes) and Nurturing Attachments. Jain Fain is an early years practitioner for ISL, supporting the transition of children from early years settings into school. Cathy Mills was a teacher for many years before retiring in 2011. She now works with the Greenfingers Project offering therapeutic gardening and art sessions to looked after children. Helen Worrall is a support teacher for ISL, with over 10 years' experience of teaching children with special needs. Netty Roberts is a Foundation and Key Stage 1 teacher with ISL, with a special interest in working with children with special needs. Eleanor Durrant is currently completing a doctorate in clinical psychology, with a special interest in attachment. Sian Templeton is an educational psychologist. Previously, she taught in primary education.