Attachment Theory event draws crowd at The Thomas Hardye School

Over 350 delegates attended an event at Thomas Hardye School, hosted by Bournemouth University, on the impact of attachment relationships.

There was high interest in the event due to the presentation of latest findings from neuroscience on attachment and what can be done to support it in schools and at home. Members of the audience included the Mayor of Dorchester, Councillor Peter Mann, Head of Dorset County Council’s SEN Specialist Services (SENSS), Gerri Kemp and the Headteacher at Thomas Hardye, Mike Foley.

Gill Howard, SEN Co-ordinator at the school, explained, ‘Attachment relationships are formed in infancy with those who care for us. They are essential for developing a sense of security and resilience throughout life. If attachments are not formed securely, we may not feel safe or connected to others and this will impact on our behaviour and ability to learn. This lecture highlighted the complex nature of unmet attachment needs and other conditions such as autism.

‘At Thomas Hardye, we are working hard to ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential and as such we were delighted to welcome Julie Revels, a specialist in Attachment Theory from Kate Cairns Associates, to speak not only to our staff and parents, but also professionals working with young people from across the county. The buzz of anticipation demonstrated how relevant this subject is to anyone working or living with children and young people.’

The lecture was hosted by Bournemouth University (BU). Dr James Palfreman-Kay, Equality and Diversity Adviser at BU has organised several events at Thomas Hardye with the aim of enabling young people to get into higher education in spite of barriers to learning.