Attachment aware schools

‘Attachment Aware Schools’ is a collaborative program of support which is promoting public understanding of the underlying causes of children’s behavior, stimulating political debate about inclusive educational provision and is helping to transform professional practice within schools and community settings. The program hinges upon attachment theory and attachment-based strategies for supporting children’s social and emotional development. This paper documents the positive impact of pilot programs within the UK on national policy and in developing sustainable improvements in systemic school-wide practices relating to children’s behavior and well-being. It illustrates collaborative research evidence between practitioners and academics, generating civic participation and engagement, which has also informed policy directives within national and local government, and public and private sector organisations.