MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
Exploring Attachment
Level:
5
Credit Value:
Module code:
ECSF503
Cost Centre:
GAECE
JACS2 code*:
(if known)
*please contact Student Data Services for further guidance if necessary
Semester(s) in which to be offered:
1/2
Office use only:
To be completed by AQSU:
Existing/New:
Existing
With effect from:
Sept 12
Date approved:
Date revised:
Version no:
Sept 12
1
Title of module being
replaced (if any):
Originating Academic
area:
Families and
Childhood Studies
Module duration (total
hours)
Scheduled learning &
teaching hours
Independent study hours
200
Placement hours
0
10
Module
Leader:
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
190
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
Programme(s) in which
to be offered:
FdA The Learning
and Development
of Babies and
Young Children
Pre-requisites None
per
programme
(between
levels):
Elizabeth Sheen
Core
20
Module Aims:
This module will enable students to:



Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the current issues and applicable
theory/research in the study of attachment.
Critically analyse the role attachment plays in the development of a child’s well-being,
ability to learn and the forming of relationships in later life.
Explore and identify clear expectations for the role the practitioner and
childcare/educational setting will play in providing a secure attachment.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Critically examine the theory surrounding attachment using examples from personal
knowledge and experience to develop personal practice.
2. Analyse the key concepts underpinning attachment i.e. primary/secondary
attachment, categories of attachment etc. drawing on research to inform practice.
3. Critically examine the significance the ‘key person/worker relationship’ has in
supporting attachment.
4. Examine critically the current and conflicting issues surrounding attachment theory.
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:





Communication of ideas and different perspectives
Improving own learning and performance
Evaluation and reflection
Analytical and problem solving skills
Sharing ideas
Assessment: please indicate the type(s) of assessment (eg examination, oral, coursework,
project) and the weighting of each (%). Details of indicative assessment tasks must be
included.
1. Essay which explores attachment theory, including contemporary and conflicting views.
2. Series of work-based learning tasks which explores the link between theory and
practice.
Assessme
nt number
1
2
Learning
Outcomes
to be met
Type of assessment
Weighting
2,4
1,3
Essay
Coursework
70%
30%
Duration (if
exam)
N/A
N/A
Word count
(or
equivalent if
appropriate
)
2,500
1,500
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
This module is delivered through e-learning. This will involve working alone, in groups, with
peers, tutors and colleagues. Each module will consist of contact with the tutor via a ‘live’ chat
facility whereby the students and tutors discuss topics relevant to the module in real time.
Moderated forum engagement whereby the students and tutors discuss relevant topics using
chat forums over a period of time. Engagement with course materials which comprise the
presentation of information, reading, practical activities and discussion. Work-based learning
and self-directed tasks form a large part of this module and are used to inform the
assessment and materials used in the classroom or online.
Work-based learning:
During this module students will be expected carry out the following tasks within the workplace:



Reflect on current practice in light of learning from this module.
Make a record of different examples of attachment observed in your setting or a
setting you supervise.
Observe the role of the ‘key person’ and their relationship with a child in the setting.
Assessment feedback:
Students are encouraged to reflect on the criteria for each piece of work submitted by making
comments against the criteria on the appropriate mark sheet before submission to the tutor.
This then forms the basis for tutor feedback.
Syllabus outline:
Below is an overview of the module syllabus in a rough order of delivery, please note that
each area may cover more than one session.
1. Through an examination of theory and research understand what attachment is and
its relevance for babies and young children.
2. Examine experiences of a childcare setting to identify examples of attachment and
how this manifests itself.
3. Explore and understand the various aspects of attachment.
4. Explore what attachments means to the individual child and the benefits of having a
secure attachment in terms of learning and development.
5. Examine the role of the key person in developing a secure attachment with children in
single age groups.
6. Examine the role of the key person in developing a secure attachment with children in
multi-aged groups.
7. Develop an awareness of the effects of attachment in relationships in later life.
Bibliography
(please submit in Harvard referencing format)
Essential reading:
Gerhardt, S. (2009), Why Love Matters. London: Routledge.
Cassidy, J. and Shaver,P. R. (2008), Handbook of Attachment. New York: Guilford Press.
Indicative reading:
Bowlby, J. (1953), Child Care and the Growth of Love. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
Dowling, M. (2009), Young Children's Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Third
Edition. London: SAGE.
Elfer, P., Goldschmied, E. and Selleck, D. (2003), Key persons in the nursery: building
relationships for quality provisions. London: David Fulton
Holmes, J. (1993), John Bowlby and Attachment Theory. London: Routledge.
Mooney, C. G. (2009), Theories of Attachment: an introduction to Bowlby, Ainsworth, Gerber,
Braelton, Kennell and Klause. Redleaf Press.
Read, V. (2009), Developing Attachment in Early Years Settings. London: David Fulton
Publishers
Websites:
The Bowlby Centre – www.thebowlbycentre.co.uk
BBC Child of Our Time – www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072bk8
The Attachment Theory Website - http://www.richardatkins.co.uk/atws/page/20.html
Journals:
Child Development – Society for Research in Child Development. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell
Child: Care Health and Development. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell
Early Years Educator. MA Education Limited www.earlyyearseducator.co.uk
Early Years – An International Journal of Research and Development. Oxon: Routledge
www.tactyc.org.uk
Journal of Early Childhood Research. London: Sage.
Nursery World. www.nurseryworld.co.uk