Reviews & Comments - Siren Films - Child Development and Observation DVD resources for child care training

REVIEWS & COMMENTS



		PENELOPE LEACH, PH. D, DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGIST The Wonder Year is superb, infant observation for everyone: hooray. Makers of reality TV about babies please note: this is 100% engrossing although it helps instead of hurting. I wish all pregnant parents could see this - and come to think of it, why can't they?



		BARBARA BRIGSS, NEWCASTLE COLLEGE Child Obsrvation No. 7 - Time and Event Sample DVD is a wonderful resource which really brings the value of closely observing children to life. I used it to illustrate the importance of using an observation al method which is 'fit for purpose'. The advantages and disadvantages of the different methods is clearly evident and provides a useful group work discussion exercise.



		DOROTHY Y SELLECK, AUTHOR AND EARLY YEAR CONSULTANT I think the film “The Wonder Year” and booklet offer important new explanations in an accessible way of how brain development and experience are closely linked. The filming is so delicately done with absorbing episodes of interactions, a range of feelings and play where the camera really 'holds still' and allows us to look and listen to Orson. I am sure all tutors will find their favorite sequences to support their work in helping parents and students to reach a more detailed and empathetic understanding of children in their first year.



		JULIE STAMPER, HEAD TEACHER, SCHOOLGIRLS MUMS' UNIT, HULL The DVDs and supporting materials are exellent and certainly enhance our delivery of BTEC First Certificate in CCLD and CACHE First Award in Caring for Children.



		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.



		MARION DOWLING, AUTHOR AND VICE PRESIDENT OF EARLY EDUCATION REVIEW LIFE AT TWO - ATTACHMENTS, KEY PEOPLE AND DEVELOPMENT Quality of Film Once again the film is of extremely high quality and matches the very good standard of other Siren productions There are so many beautiful close up scenes up of Ava at home and at nursery, but I particularly liked the images of Ava engaged in solitary play and demonstrating empathy.. There are also some very telling shots showing Ava’s mixed feelings when first separating from mum Tone, Sequence and Structure The commentary is extremely good – clear and straightforward and just sufficient to throw light on the various sequences. Peter’s sensitive contributions helpfully explain how Ava’s relationship with her mum and Claire illustrate good key person practice. Peter provides a lucid description of the role of the key person; he includes some important teaching points, for example how a child who has experienced a strong first attachment may show distress when starting nursery but also how close attachments at home help children to make a strong attachment at nursery. Also the importance of appropriate physical contact. The structure of the film allows us to follow Ava’s increasing independence, her developing use of language and exemplifies her as an eager learner. The separate interview with Peter Elfer offers full responses to most questions that students and practitioners have about the key person and stands by itself as a good teaching session. Content The film depicts such a very positive picture of parenthood with mum genuinely enjoying Ava and tuning into her feelings and interests at all times. In the sequence showing a day with mum every opportunity is taken to encourage Ava to explore simple everyday events. Similarly Claire offers a model of a key person which should be very helpful to practitioners taking on this role. There is realism as well – the way in which mum handles Ava’s temper tantrum in the supermarket and how she supports Ava to resolve altercations in play with Esther – both very common scenarios. Audience This film is relevant and important to a number of audiences. Parents often find two and here year olds quite challenging as they become more autonomous –and yet still seek support as babies. This film would reassure and offer so many sensitive messages about how to enjoy living with a child of this age group and how to prepare them for life in a group setting. There is a wealth of information for students and practitioners about the role of the key person . The material is also ideal for making child observations. Some sequences could be shown without sound for example to encourage trainees to concentrate on Ava’s expressions and movement when she starts at the nursery. Now that all children in the EYFS are required to have a key person, this film would be extremely useful for reception teachers who are unsure what the role involves.



		MARION DOWLING, AUTHOR AND VICE PRESIDENT OF EARLY EDUCATION REVIEW THE WONDER YEAR - 1st YEAR DEVELOPMENT AND SHAPING THE BRAIN Quality of Film This film is of extremely high quality and matches the very good standard of other Siren productions. There are many beautiful pictures of Orson with his parents. In particular I liked the detailed and lingering images of Orson’s responses – these should really help less experienced practitioners to look for similar responses in babies they work with. Tone, Sequence and Structure The commentary is exactly right – Maria’s manner is friendly, enthusiastic and accessible. Useful information is given in a straightforward and unpatronising way and re-enforced in the booklet. The film is organised in manageable units which makes it easy to follow. Each chapter is very well timed and exemplifies a stage in Orson’s life. What have we seen so far helps viewers to recap on main points – messages are clear and succinct. The structure of the films allows us to trace the main aspects of Orson’s development very well indeed. Each insight into his emerging brain is exemplified. There is a really good balance between theory and practice. Content The film allows us to see Orson grow in front of our eyes. Each stage and aspect of his development unfolds and is picked up and explained. The interrelated nature of development comes over very well and the underpinning need for the baby to receive attention, warmth and affirmation. Some of the material on brain development is quite complex but the commentary explains difficult concepts extremely well and I was fascinated by stunning illustrations. Orson’s mum and dad offer a model of parenthood and Maria demonstrates well how to use voice facial expression and touch when communicating with a young baby. Some very important messages There are so many ‘goodies’ in this film that it is difficult to identify the ‘best’ bits, but as a trainer I really warm to the following points. The homely environment is reassuring. Orson does not have an elaborate range of toys – his interest is aroused by everyday objects around him and his family are his playmates. This emphasis on personal social contacts is conveyed strongly. The essential need to get to know a baby’s signals in order to fully meet his needs (helpful example of dad ‘misreading’ Orson and then adjusting his response.) Everyday routines are crucial to help the baby sort out his world. In particular the need for consistency in order to help him build up a mental framework and make connections. Babies can easily become over-stimulated – this can cause stress and stressed babies cannot play or learn The need for time to allow the baby to try out each new experience. Babies need a long time to process information and make sense of it. Babies cannot manage their emotions – only an adult can do this for them. Experienced practitioners do this intuitively but those with less experience need to recognise their role in comforting and reassuring a young baby. Audience This film is relevant and important to a number of audiences. It would be wonderful to show prospective and new parents. Orson’s mum and dad are clearly ordinary people and they both demonstrate so well a relaxed and unpressurised approach to living with a new baby. For practitioners at all levels. The rich material means that trainers could pitch this for both less and more experienced practitioners and for students. It also provides good background information for tutors.



		MEGAN ECCLESON PRIMARY MENTAL HEALTH UNDER 5'S SPECIALIST - BRISTOL REVIEW FOR AIMH UK NEWSLETTER (2008) Life At Two: Attachments, Key People and Development This 73 minute DVD follows on beautifully from the ‘Attachment in Practice’ film by the same company, reviewed in the last issues of this newsletter. In ‘Life at Two’ we follow an emotionally competent and resourceful little girl Ava through her third year, with footage alternating between the loving family home and the supportive nursery setting. The film provides fascinating observational material of her transition to nursery, which she will attend for two and a half days a week from the age of two, and of the potential for family and nursery care to compliment each other. Ava lives with her mother Molly, maternal grandmother and uncle. We see Molly’s sensitive, unhurried mothering when she is able to give Ava time and encouragement to develop new skills for herself. Interspersed with the film is an accessible commentary by Peter Elfer, a senior lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, in which he explains the original tenets of attachment theory. The key worker approach to nursery care is advocated, and some commonly expressed objections to it are considered. He conveys convincingly how attending to children’s need for security puts them in the best state of readiness for new experience and hence for learning. Ava is initially uncertain on arriving at nursery, when she is to stay without mum for the first time. The film helps the viewer to understand that protest on separation is normal. We are informed about the benefits of a secure attachment and about what nursery staff can do to help children as they begin to separate. Ava’s mum, Molly, shows her own anxiety about leaving her daughter and there is careful observation of the pair reacting to separation and reunion. The camera’s close and low angles optimise the viewers’ awareness of how Ava experiences the noisy bewildering newness of the nursery. It is evident how much is required of a toddler to manage in a strange environment and ways in which this might impact on a young child. For instance Ava’s speech seems to become less clear at nursery. Her comments and her play reveal that she is thinking a lot about her mother after she has left her. Claire, Ava’s Key Worker, provides a bridge to the new environment. She focuses on Ava’s speech, uses repetition and clarifies what Ava is saying. In much of the nursery footage Ava seems to be identifying with her mother and copes with Molly’s departures by becoming a ‘mummy’ herself, in her play. Claire, the worker also attends sensitively to Ava’s doll baby. Ava’s relationship with Claire is affectionate and it is refreshing to see the closeness and cuddles which form an important part of infant care in the nursery setting. In an interesting sequence portraying some of the common challenges of parenting a two year old, Ava and her mother are going shopping. Molly skillfully manages Ava’s strivings for independence. She set limits and manages to negotiate when Ava might have a temper tantrum in the supermarket, staying in control without heavy handedness and giving choice where possible. Ava’s first full day at nursery is a highlighted and the key worker gives Ava time with her mother and then thoughtfully helps her to separate. Ava is not immediately pressurised to adapt or fit into the nursery group and her need for time in which to make the transition is respected. This is a small nursery environment and Ava gets a great deal of sensitive attention. The key worker is patient, observant and flexible, striving to understand Ava. She guesses and she anticipates. Ava shows her own capacity to mirror and to attune to her carers, even tolerating small ordinary misunderstandings in interaction. Starting nursery is likely to be much more demanding for a child who is not so secure in her primary attachments. Ava is very obliging, articulate and rewarding and her ability to express her needs might make nursery care appear easier to provide than it actually is. However, there are many practical points about what nursery staff can do to reduce anxiety and facilitate children’s comfort and security; observant, sensitive care supports the emotional development including the development of empathy in the child. Over time Ava’s confidence is growing, aided by Claire’s willingness to follow Ava’s lead, illustrating how the presence and interest offered by the skilled key carer helps the child to think, explore and learn. Six months on, Ava has become part of the nursery group. The film reveals how initial attachments form the basis for future relationships and how, with initial adult support, Ava can move through to parallel play and subsequently to cooperative play, sharing and dealing with conflicts herself. By now Ava is well attached to her key worker and it is a shock to recognise that Claire is pregnant and will be leaving Ava soon. The film could be useful to show to parents before they introduce their children to nursery. I will certainly use this film with Early Years workers to introduce and explore some fundamental concepts relating to infant mental health. It comes with user notes which include frequent questions and discussion topics, further discussion of the Key Person approach and references and further reading.



		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.”



		DOROTHY SELLECK: EARLY YEARS CONSULTANT Life at Two: "This is a delightful study of Ava with her family and in her nursery taken over time. Each different section is very pertinent and useful with the notes on their content and the suggested questions to stimulate discussion on the attachments and key people issues. Some years ago I used to be a tutor in FE teaching on initial training courses - for this purpose I would have found them especially supportive and well referenced. The sequences of separation and reunions, and the behavior in the supermarket were sensitively filmed and commented on. I specially valued those episodes where practitioners are often unsure of how to respond to children's sad feelings and growing independence. The references to the literature and the key issues highlighted by Peter Elfer are made in a very accessible style but also give this film rigor and depth that will also have raise important issues for thinking and learning with experienced professionals working to support quality and manage change in nurseries. The material is very timely as the EYFS requires practitioners to move on from their key worker patter pattern of organization to developing the Key Person approach where children are enabled to form close attachments with staff who are emotionally available to them in the nursery as well as at home.”

EARLY TALK 2007

3 STAR RATING

www.ican.org.uk/ earlytalk

Learning through play (The 3 to 4 year old) & Child Observation No. 8 - Learning through Play (The 3 to 4 year old)

Siren films have produced these two resources which follow a three-year old boy for one year and capture and describe the development of his play skills during this time. Sequences show the boy playing alone, with friends and his mother at home and at playgroup. Both films are designed for use by early years practitioners with parents, carers and colleagues as part of training and professional development activities.

The Learning through Play film (running time 30 minutes) aims to illustrate and discuss how important play is as an early learning opportunity. The film is divided into the six areas of the English foundation stage curriculum. The commentary addresses each of these areas individually and as such the film can be watched as a whole or in sections. The section on communication and language shows some excellent interaction with the boy’s mother and provides opportunities for group discussion and, importantly, reflection on communication styles.

The accompanying observation film is 42 minutes of footage of the same boy playing but without commentary. The film is a series of clips of around two to six minutes in length presented in order of age. As in the other film, the boy is shown playing with peers, his mother and on his own.

These films would be very useful for parents and carers and practitioner training sessions. The commentary of the first film is particularly relevant to England as it refers to the foundation stage curriculum. The observational film footage is appropriate for practitioners in various countries. It is often difficult to find footage to use in training sessions and these films would be a useful supplement to training and information packages. The commentary is both accessible and interesting and could facilitate more in–depth discussion of the topic.



		JEAN McALEER, TEACHER, SEATON BURN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Life at Two I thoroughly enjoyed watching the film and I am looking forward to using it as a teaching aid with my GCSE Health and Social Care group next term. The film is very well presented and interesting just to watch in its own right! It allows students the opportunity to observe child development in a focused way. I found the film particularly useful for introducing the role of the nursery staff in the way they cater for the needs of the child in the Early Years setting, including all aspects – physical, social care and early years provision. The film is also a very good introduction for students who are to visit a nursery as part of their work placement, to allow an insight to the activities they may see and the type of work they could be expected to do. I like the way in which the film is split up into section that can be accessed as required. The supporting information and questions are very useful for the teacher and for the students to focus onto the information given. For advanced students, the contribution an interview with Peter Elfer, helps the student put the theoretical aspects of child development into context. Child Observation 9 – The Two Year Old This is a very useful teaching aid that can be used in conjunction with ‘Life at Two’ It displays very clearly how much development takes place in such a short time and allows comparisons to be made in specific aspects of development. It underpins the theory work in Unit 3 Understanding personal development and relationships.



		JUDITH WATERS, EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST “This is a wonderful film which is very effective in presenting the importance of attachment in relationships within the family and the ways in which the child’s need for attachment, as their world expands outside the home, can be managed in the transition to the social group setting of nursery. I will find this film very useful in working with families who want to think about how their child’s relationships within the family and transitions to nursery can best be managed. I particularly look forward to using the film in work with early years setting staff to assist thinking about the use of the key worker role in managing this transition. The way in which the film is presented in short ‘chapters’ each focussing on different aspects of the child’s social and emotional needs and how they are met at home and in the move into nursery really lends itself to use in family support and nursery training sessions. All early years settings including two-year olds and practitioners working with these setting and with families with very young children should have a copy! I am really looking forward to sharing this film with colleagues and using it with families and settings - it’s great!”



		LEARNING THROUGH PLAY (The 3 to 4 year old) DVD REVIEWED BY THE FSF REVIEWING TEAM THE FOUNDATION STAGE FORUM www.foundation-stage.info The focus of the film is to show Seb's spontaneous play opportunities, (at home with mummy, with a friend, and at pre-school) and to define and describe his learning and development. The central tenet is that play is the best way of learning and of having fun! The presentation of Seb’s learning experiences is divided into the six areas of learning of the Foundation Stage, although of course children do not learn in convenient subject-based chunks. This format is very useful when using the DVD as a training tool both in your own setting, and in training establishments, as clear links can be made to the Foundation Stage guidance document, and, one expects, to the new EYFS later this year. Beginning with communication, language and literacy, the film focuses on the development of speaking and listening skills. We see Seb having meaningful conversations, learning the conventions of social interaction, and learning to question and negotiate. The commentary is excellent: concise and succinct explanations of Seb’s skills. We then see how Seb is learning to make relationships and care about other people. The descriptions of his verbal and non-verbal behaviour are particularly good, as is the sensitive explanation of Seb having to deal with a rather dominant little girl in the role-play kitchen! Mathematical development focuses quite correctly on doing, showing Seb manipulating objects and developing his understanding of size, shape, and position. The section showing creative development includes the most important aspect of painting, cooking, playdough and interacting with stories: the process not the product. The commentary emphasises how previous knowledge and experiences influence children’s role-play, and how useful this genre is in supporting children’s development. Keeping closely to requirements of best practice, the knowledge and understanding section emphasis the importance of using the senses to explore the world. We see Seb as an inquisitive child, who needs a supportive, exciting learning environment to satisfy his curiosity, and to motivate him to learn. Finally, the section devoted to physical development covers the indoor and outdoor environments, and fine and gross motor development. A scenario very familiar to early years practitioners is recorded: a member of staff explains to Seb that the best place to run around, as a superhero is probably not in the playroom! I recommend this DVD highly: a very useful tool to use with your colleagues or students. Every school improvement service should have several copies to lend out to settings, and to allow their consultants to use with the settings they support. The accompanying notes are very useful to encourage discussion and to plan for continuous self-improvement in your practice and provision. The partner DVD, Child Observation No. 8 Learning through Play (3 to 4 year old) shows 9 clips, taken from the DVD above, but without any commentary at all. This would be useful when training students and practitioners in observation techniques. An excellent set of user notes is available to support the trainer. This is a valuable resource, both for colleges offering early years courses, and for local authorities providing continuous professional development for their early years workforce. Available from: www.sirenfilms.co.uk



		ATTACHMENT IN PRACTICE REVIEWED BY HELEN EDWARDS THE FOUNDATION STAGE FORUM www.foundation-stage.info I have just watched this film with my nursery colleagues and it provoked much discussion about our current children, some of whom are finding it very difficult to settle in a new environment. The film shows the development of attachment behaviour of babies and very young children, using an easy, realistic style of filming. The children and parents are from real homes, with toys dotted around on the floor and real washing-up drying on the draining board! It is a particularly accessible film and clearly shows the pattern of attachment behaviour through snapshots of babies and children interacting with their primary care-givers. The key message is clear: that a secure, consistent relationship with the adult to whom the child has made an attachment has a profound effect on the child's personal, social and emotional development. Obvious links to Birth to Three Matters spring to mind, particularly the components Being Acknowledged and Affirmed and Developing Self-assurance from the aspect A Strong Child, the component Emotional Well-being from the aspect A Healthy Child and the component Being Together from the aspect A Skilful Communicator. The Birth to Three framework emphasises the fact that for babies and young children to develop independence they need to feel safe and secure within healthy relationships with key people: “Young children strive for responses from others, which confirm, contribute to, or challenge their understanding of themselves" (Component: Being Acknowledged and Affirmed) "Children need to feel others are positive towards them, and to experience realistic expectations in order to become competent, assertive and self-assured" (Component: Being Acknowledged and Affirmed) "When young children have a close relationship with a caring and responsive adult, they explore from a safe place to which they can return" (Component: Emotional Well-being) "Being physically close and making eye-contact, using touch or voice provides an ideal opportunity for early "conversation" between adults and babies" (Component: Being Together) The forty-two minute film is divided into four sections according to the age of the child; birth to two months; two to eight months; eight to eighteen months; eighteen months and beyond. The user notes include questions for discussion, suggestions for observing children (either in the film or in your own setting), starting points for further research and references should you wish to extend your knowledge. My team thought this was an excellent film which was very relevant to our work in a nursery, particularly at the beginning of the academic year when many children are experiencing their first separation from their parents and carers. It gave us an insight into what successful attachment looks like, and also an introduction to what might occur if a child has not been able to form a secure attachment. This film would clearly be extremely useful for teachers and lecturers on childcare, early years education, and health and social care courses, and I feel it would be a very good buy for local authority advisors and trainers of early years staff. Selected aspects could also be used in parenting skills courses and young parent groups, many of which are being offered at Children's Centres around the country. Attachment in Practice is available from Siren Films for £89, which includes the user notes.



		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.



		LIZ ATTENBOROUGH, MANAGER, TALK TO YOUR BABY AND THE NATIONAL LITERACY TRUST It is immensely difficult to film babies and small children to much effect, as they don’t necessarily ‘perform’ to make the point that you are after. But Siren Films manage it in their high-quality films through relaxed and patient filming. The films are then edited to show clearly the key aspects of behaviour through the lives of real people in every day interactions, pointing up well how effective child-centred talk can be.

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.



		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.



		SUSAN BELL, SURE START DURHAM AREA SENCO TRAINER “I used the film during a Sure Start training session with a group of nursery practitioners on Physical, Social and Emotional Development. We were looking at the key worker approach and the film was really spot on for what I was teaching. I used the film along with my regular Sure Start training materials and this worked well. The film was great for my teaching around the domain of Being Close. It illustrated the ideas in my teaching perfectly.” “The practitioners really enjoyed the film. Seeing Ava’s little face on her first day of nursery was really moving. It was especially good because they could sit and be reflective about what they were seeing in the film in a way that they can’t when they are actually in the situation.” “I have several other films by Siren and I find them very useful. It is hard to get hold of this type of material.” “The film is smashing”



		KATE REED, CONSULTANT & EYFS TRAINER “I was delighted to discover these films. They illustrate the principles in my training courses exactly and I use them now to help explain and reinforce my message.”



		Early Years Update Resource Review Life at Two: Attachments, Key People & Development DVD and user notes (72 mins) The Two Year Old at Home and at Nursery: Child Observation No.9 DVD and user notes (120 mins) These two DVDs are new additions to a comprehensive series of child observation videos produced by Siren Films in Newcastle upon Tyne. The two films follow a little girl called Ava from her second to her third birthday and focus on the key experiences she encounters and the relationships she develops during this important phase in her development. In Life at Two the voiceover emphasises the role of the key person in helping Ava to make a successful transition from her home to her early years setting, and is supported by an interview with Peter Elfer, which highlights the link between the practice seen in the film and the current theories on child development which support the Birth to Three Matters framework and the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Two Year Old at Home and in the Nursery draws on the same footage of Ava but is arranged to provide a series of 18 observation sequences without commentary, illustrating all aspects of development. The accompanying notes provide the context for each of the observation sequences. Observations can be used individually to focus on particular aspects of learning or they can be viewed in sequence to follow the progress of particular aspects of development throughout the year. As well as providing invaluable material to use with students on childcare training courses, the film sequences and notes in these two videos are a wonderful professional development resource for staff teams in all childcare and early education settings. Other titles, covering different age groups and aspects of young children’s development are also available.