Last week we had to say ‘Good bye’ to many children as they departed to pastures new (mostly to the Den) after spending time in the Burrow.

These children and their families developed good, strong attachments with the Key People in the Burrow (Soraya, Lauren, Nic and Tiff). These children developed their confidence and self-esteem through the experiences and relationships they encountered during their time in the Burrow. Friendships blossomed and communication skills thrived as children and adults became entwined in their learning together.

The British Psychologist, John Bowlby was the first attachment theorist, describing attachment as a ‘lasting psychological connectedness between human beings’. He believed that nurturance and responsiveness were the primary determinants of attachment.

He identified four Phases of Attachment:

1. ‘Pre- Attachment’ Phase – Birth – 6weeks

Baby’s innate signals attract the caregiver e.g. crying, smiling

2. ‘Attachment in making’ Phase – 6weeks – 6-8 Months

Infant responds differently to familiar caregiver than to strangers and begins to develop a sense of trust

3. ‘Clear cut’ Attachment Phase – 6-8months – 18mths/2years

Attachment to familiar caregiver becomes evident. Babies display ‘separation anxiety’

4. Formation of Reciprocal Relationship – 18mths – 2yrs+

Rapid growth in representation and language by 2 years enables the toddler to understand some of the factors that influence parents coming and going and to predict their return

This week we welcome many new children into the Burrow. Most of our ‘Newbies’ are transferring from the Warren (Thank you to Lou, Cat and Abbi). Some children are coming from further afield.