This book offers a unique exploration of attachment aware schools, bringing together empirical teacher views along with wider theoretical and policy perspectives. Attachment aware schooling demonstrates an understanding of the emotional and behavioural needs of children and young people which go beyond training and experience, in order to promote better learning and health outcomes. The author reviews the key principles of attachment theory, the features of attachment aware schools and the tensions that exist in current education policy in England. He then explores issues around gender, social justice and social policy in relation to trauma-informed and attachment aware practice. The book will be of interest to academics and students in the fields of alternative education, the sociology of education, education policy and social psychology.

Richard Parker is Visiting Research Fellow at Bath Spa University, UK.