Attachment in Practice - Development Series - Siren Films - Child Development and Observation DVD resources for child care training

Development Series

Introduction

*New for 2008
The Wonder Year
1st Year Development & Shaping the Brain

Life at Two
Attachments, Key People & Development

Learning Through Play
The 3 to 4 Year Old

Attachment in Practice

Born to Talk

Watch the Baby

Learning to Talk

Falling Out

My Little Sister

Physical Development
0 to 12 months

Play - The First Year

EYFS Principles Index

Attachment in Practice

» Click to watch a film clip «

The quality of early attachment relationships is of central importance to children’s social and emotional development. It is vital to their all round development.

Shot over the first three years of an infant’s life, the film shows the development of attachment behaviour.

By observing the interactions between infants and their carers we see the attachment stages unfolding, giving a real understanding of how it works in practice. While the film focuses on secure attachment references are also made to insecure attachments.

The key aspects of secure base behaviour and the link between social and emotional development are shown clearly. Explanations of why things are happening at various stages are based on the now most generally accepted research and theory.

(Made in conjunction with consultant clinical psychologist Dr P.O. Svanberg.)

42 mins

Includes user notes

£89

Links to EYFS principles:

• A Unique Child: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4
• Positive Relationships : 2.1, 2.3, 2.4

*Show 12 professional reviews of this DVD title



		MARION DOWLING, AUTHOR AND VICE PRESIDENT OF EARLY EDUCATION REVIEW ATTACHMENT IN PRACTICE Quality of Film Again the film is of extremely high quality - some beautiful shots of expressions of babies and young children Tone, Sequence and Structure The tone is gentle and reflective and this is re-enforced by the music and contributions from Dr. Svanberg. He gives a very informative commentary which has a quiet authority and is presented in a very human way... Potentially difficult terms are explained so well e.g emotional regulation, object permanence and the benefits of good attachments are emphasised throughout. All of the parents offer such positive and varied examples of loving parenthood. The sequence and structure of the film enable the viewer to see how attachment behaviour develops and how this is evident in different cultures. I first viewed the film and then consulted the user notes before viewing it for a second time. The notes added depth to my viewing. Content This film provides a very useful overview of attachment which is rooted in the everyday lives of young children and their significant careers. There is good content throughout but I particularly liked the helpful examples of dealing with conflict with a 2 year old and the emphasis on the effectiveness of discriminating praise (perhaps this could have been examined a little more – but that is just a quibble!) and the demonstrated use of negotiation .Important message also come through of the importance of spending time with your child and developing conversations with them. Audience The way in which the film is designed makes it applicable for a wide range of audiences. The useful reference section will be welcomed by trainers and to share with students and practitioners who are looking at attachment in depth and need to link theory and practice. The appealing images and simple, direct messages can stand alone for those who are relatively new to the concept and all of the questions and suggestions for observation are pertinent depending on the level of training.



		SUNIL PURI, MULTI AGENCY SAFEGUARDING TRAINER, CAMDEN COUNCIL “I was very impressed with the quality of the information on the video of Attachment in Practice and I will find it invaluable in working with groups around child development.”



		GAIL, SENIOR PRACTITIONER COVENTRY POST ADOPTION TEAM "We have used "Attachment in Practice" when working with parents who have adopted children. We find it very helpful as it shows clearly what builds a secure attachment in babies and children. We are able to highlight the attachment experiences that adopted and Looked After children are likely to have missed out on and what the effects of this are likely to be on their emotional development and functioning. The scenes reflecting Leila's emotional development are very useful in that they illustrate the importance of a secure attachment for the development of trust, the beginnings of self esteem, the confidence to explore and learn about the world and the beginnings of self regulation. You do not have to be a professional to understand this film, it is accessible and useful for both workers and for parents".



		EARLY CHILDHOOD PRACTICE: THE JOURNAL FOR MULTI-PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Volume 9, No 1 – 2007 DVD Review In the last issue of ECP Journal there was a review of some of the DVDs developed by Siren Films. Since then, two more have been completed, and they feature a year in the life of two year old Ava. It is invaluable to see her across time, and the separate sequences help practitioners to see her in the round, at home and in the group setting. The viewer can see her as a unique individual, and also how adults can plan to meet her interests and needs. One DVD (Child Observation number 9: The Two Year Old at Home and at Nursery) includes twenty four sequences showing all aspects of development, including emotional and social development and play. This is an invaluable resource, as the filming is skilled in showing Ava, her family and the staff in the group setting in natural ways, and apparently not overwhelmed by the camera upon their every movement and interaction. The second DVD is a must. It focuses on Attachment and Separation. Again, we see two year old Ava at home and follow her preliminary visits to the group setting, and how she develops her relationship with the key person. Peter Elfer, one of the leading experts in the age group (Roehampton University), talks with clarity, in very accessible ways, about the importance of the key person. He emphasises that Elinor Goldschmied helped our understanding of the importance of the triangle of relationships that needs to positively develop between the child and the key person, the child and the parent(s), and the parent(s) and the key person. This DVD also demonstrates the importance of observation… this is one of the most helpful resources I have ever been able to use for inservice training and initial training in the way trusting and close relationships develop through the key person. As the English EYFS (early years foundation stage) is implemented (becoming statutory in 2008), and with developments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, this DVD will be a core resource for any library. I have used it with several groups, and found it excellent in promoting reflective, sensitive practice benefiting children, parents and practitioners. I think every staff-room should have this.

Early Childhood Practice: The journal for Multi-Professional Partnerships

Volume 8, No.2 – 2006
www.earlychildhoodpractice.net

It is very difficult to find films, DVDs or videos which are, to use a Goldilocks expression, ‘Just right.’

I have now viewed, and used with different groups, three of the DVDs developed by Siren Films, and have found them to be an invaluable addition to my library. They range from 30-42 minutes in duration, and are helpfully divided and signposted for those inexperienced in using DVDs for training sessions. They can be used with students at introductory levels, from GCSE to level 3 courses. They can expand and remind experienced practitioners of important aspects of their work. The films would also be of interest to parents eager to understand their children’s developing learning.

Because the children, parents and practitioners have been filmed consistently across time, a journey in development of several children is shown. This is unusual to find in film-making, and a rich resource for those involved in training at both initial and in-service training levels. The commentary is not too intrusive, and so we are able to see what children, parents and practitioners say to each other. This is a rare and important contribution of these. The commentary is sound in theory and supported by research and theory.

The first film I viewed was ‘Attachment in Practice’ which shows the development of attachment behaviour in the first three years. The film has been made in conjunction with Dr. P.O. Svanberg, consultant clinical psychologist. He gives very helpful analysis. We see attachment forming in early sections, and explore issues of ‘insecure attachment’ and ‘stranger situation ‘in section 3. The last section shows the increasing independence that develops with secure attachment. We need a film like this to bring alive so helpfully the theoretical aspects.

The next film ‘Learning through Play: Child Observation No. 8’ shows a young boy from 2 year 11 months until he is 4 years old. We see him, at different ages, at home with his mother, in the garden with a peer, at playgroup, making a den with a friend, and in the park with his mother. The commentary is helpful and would form the basis of interesting discussion around the observations.

The last film ‘Learning Through Play: the 3 to 4 Year Old’ links with the one just described. We follow the same boy for a year when he is three years old, and explore some essential aspects of his play at home, and in the playgroup. The film also helps viewers to reflect on Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Mathematical Development, Creative Development, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Physical Development. Again, the commentary helps reflective practice to develop.

These films, Videos and DVDs will be a must for a range of practitioners and those who work with them and tutor early childhood courses of all kinds.



		PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NURSERY NURSES REVIEW VAL PAYNE, DAY NURSERY MANAGER, JERSEY I have really enjoyed watching the dvds. ‘Child Observation No.8 (Learning through Play)’ This is a valuable resource for teaching students about observation, particularly if used before they go on placement. I enjoyed watching the development of the same child for a whole year. It reminded me of student days when as part of the Nursery Nursing training, we observed the same child for one year. Nowadays students go to different placements over the course of a year and miss out on this opportunity. I would definitely use this with my own staff as part of induction training and also with staff dong NVQs. Both the booklet and dvd are easy to use with clear, effective guidance. The use of real situations makes interesting and engaging viewing. 'Attachment in Practice' This is a very useful tool to use with students and staff training. It strikes the right balance of being easy to understand and informative without overloading. I love the fact they use genuine situations rather than ‘set up’ situations. Dr Svanberg explanations are clear and simple yet he manages to include theory and research making it easy for students to make the links between theory and practice. The booklet that goes with the dvds is also very good. It is clear, easy to read, very informative and a useful tool for tutors and managers for training. The only personal comments I could maker are: I prefer the term ‘terrific twos’ rather than ‘terrible twos’ although this is the most used phrase. It might have been useful to include the ‘key person approach’ but maybe that could be part of another dvd. I have really enjoyed watching both DVDs and would love the whole set!!!!!!

NURSERY WORLD’S Recommended Choice

ATTACHMENT IN PRACTICE & LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

REVIEWED BY MARIAN WHITEHEAD, LANGUAGE & EARLY YEARS CONSULTANT

These DVDs are intended to help early years practitioners advance their professional skills in child observation and their knowledge of child development. Each one is accompanied by a booklet of user’s notes, including background reading, film content details, questions and discussion topics.

The filmed material is exceptionally high quality. Watching the DVDs is a sheer delight. They are relaxed, contemporary and accessible and have captured spontaneous play and talk between children, and adults and children. I am already planning ahead for opportunities to share this material with early years students and practitioners.

There are some differences of emphasis and academic input between the two programmes. The one on attachment incorporates current theories and research about the nature and significance of ‘the bond that ties’ mother and infant and other key persons. This is cutting-edge stuff. The 'Learning Through Play' film and booklet have been organised under the Foundation Stage six areas of learning. The observations are beautifully integrated and the lengthy section on ‘personal, social and emotional development’ sets the right priority. As you watch, listen out for the child’s use of mathematical language in play and the powerful influence of picture book language on spontaneous play. These materials may be expensive but they are worth it.



		Extract of a review from the ATP News Letter, May 2006 about ‘Attachment in Practice’ DEB GAJIC, HEAD OF SOCIAL SCIENCE, POLESWORTH HIGH SCHOOL This DVD has a clear relevance to A level Psychology Specifications with its focus on attachment. The voice over makes good links to theory and explicitly mentions Bowlby, Ainsworth and Piaget. The breakdown of the DVD into stages of development of attachment implicitly links to Schaffer’s stage theory of attachment. I particularly liked the DVD’s menu function that allows the user to choose which sections to play and take breaks at relevant points to discuss the issues raised...The DVD comes with extremely good user notes; these include film commentary, suggested questions and activities for students and an extensive reference list...It is nice to see a DVD on attachment that is up to date and doesn’t include children and carers who look like they date from the 1970s.



		HEATHER FIELDS, HARTSMERE HIGH SCHOOL AND ASSOCIATE LECTURER FOR OPEN UNIVERSITY. Attachment in Practice is an excellent video. I have used it with groups of students studying AS level Psychology and found it very helpful for illustrating, and bringing to life, stages in development of attachment.



		SARA RANCE, CONSULTANT CHILD ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPIST REVIEW FOR AIMH UK NEWSLETTER (Summer/Autumn 2006) [Attachment in Practice] This is a wonderful and much needed resource for clinicians, teachers and trainers, which was made in conjunction with Dr P.O. Svanberg, from the Sunderland Infant Program. The film introduces attachment theory in a vivid way, showing the development of attachment behaviour over the first three years of life by focusing particularly on the relationships of baby Leila and her cousin Seb with their primary caregivers and other important attachment figures. It is beautifully filmed and concepts such as stranger anxiety are movingly brought to life in moments from the daily lives of the two families. For instance we see Leila at 9 months, warily turning away from a stranger, her face crumpling into tears, then watch her reaching for her mother for reassurance. From the secure base of her mother’s arms she then becomes able to manage contact with the stranger again. Later we see Seb’s mother negotiates skillfully with him as they depart on a bus trip, with his precious toy dog Pippin in tow and the transition of his separation from and reunion with his mother at nursery. Svanberg’s accessible commentary is given in a sympathetic manner and interweaves with the documentary footage of infants with their caregivers. The female voice-over is also jargon-free and delivered at a manageable pace which allows the information to be readily taken in.The film is ideal as a training resource with wide range of groups such as secondary school pupils, staff in early years settings, social workers and foster carers, and would also be valuable for direct work with parents. It comes with User Notes which include a transcript of the commentary, questions and discussion topics and references. Siren films produce a number of other films on Child Development. Another new title on Play will be reviewed in the next newsletter.

Extract of a review from Educational Psychology in Practice Vol. 21, No.4, December 2005, (pp 343-345)

ATTACHMENT IN PRACTICE

PHIL STRINGER, PRINCIPAL EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST, HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

“The importance and potential value of this film cannot be sufficiently emphasised. Sensitively observed and well-produced films about child development are few and far between as it is, and films observing attachment relationships even fewer. As an educational psychologist in training, I still vividly recall watching two films made by James Robertson, A Two Year Old Goes to Hospital (made in the early 1950’s in collaboration with John Bowlby) and Going to Hospital With Mother (made with Joyce Robertson, in the late 1950’s). James and Joyce Robertson went on to make a series of short films in the late 1960’s to mid 1970’s, observing different effects of separation on young children.

Since then, and the Sunday’s Child series following Felix from birth to 14 years, that appeared in 1985, I am not aware of anything else that provides a visual document of attachment processes until now. In itself, that makes this film significant.

In watching Attachment in Practice, I was taken back to those Robertson films precisely because the same kind of commitment to the participants in the film and the subject matter is evident. This should not be underestimated since, just as it was crucial for the credibility of Robertson’s work, it is crucial for a viewing of this film if it is to influence thinking and practice.

Siren Films have a considerable record, over many years now, of making films about child behaviour. The skill and experience that they have accumulated certainly shows and, in my opinion, the quality of this film is as good as any one is ever likely to see.

The documentary sequences are inter-cut with commentary by Dr. Per Olof Svanberg, consultant clinical psychologist with the Sunderland Infant Programme. He has a relaxed, warm style of delivery and his explanations are clear and jargon free, as is the voice over commentary.

This is a timely film in so many ways. Its relevance to the Children Act five outcomes and the Children’s National Service Framework standards, is immediate and obvious: as a reminder of the contribution that psychology can make to our understanding of healthy cognitive and emotional development, and as an invaluable resource for sharing that contribution with all those who care for children.

This film, as is clearly one of its intended uses, can readily form the basis for continuing learning, facilitated by the accompanying user notes. These include a breakdown of the film and a transcript of the commentary, a range of activities and topics for discussion. Also, whilst the film itself deliberately avoids over theorising, this is compensated for by a summary of relevant theory and references.

Educational psychologists, from those in training to those with many years of experience, will find this film useful. In our service it has been enthused about by those who are involved in supporting nurture groups, working with staff in early years settings, using Video Interaction Guidance, supervising staff in children’s homes and foster carers, those that are planning input to ante-natal classes, and those that see it quite simply as essential viewing. Oh, and if there was a category at Cannes for films on child development, Attachment in Practice would win, hands down or, in the case of some of the early sequences of Leila, bottom shuffling down."



		SANDEEP SEKHON, PSYCHOLOGY TEACHER OF AS LEVEL AQA EXAMINING BOARD As the kids watched [Attachment in Practice] they could see the stages of development taking place. It links in with the syllabus and the kids enjoyed the way it was filmed focused on the child’s reactions to the different situations.

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