While attachment in theory remains controversial, practitioners need to understand it in order to deliver the EYFS, explains early years consultant Anne O'Connor.

Q: Why do early years practitioners need to understand the importance of attachment when delivering the EYFS?

Under the new framework, 'each child must be assigned a key person' (Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, p37) and 'Positive Relationships' is one of the framework's four themes.

Central to delivering on this statutory requirement and the commitments within this part of the EYFS is an understanding of 'attachment'.

Attachment covers:

- how children relate to their primary and secondary carers

- how children are affected by relationships with their carers (both in childhood and into adulthood)

- how adults need to behave if they are to meet a child's emotional needs and expectations.

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