Attachment and Brain Development course details

This training explores attachment theory and early brain development, with a focus on how experiences of trauma, neglect and disrupted attachments can impact children and young people in foster care. It provides foster carers with an understanding of how the developing brain responds to stress, relationships and safety, and how this can influence behaviour, emotional regulation and learning. The course links theory to practical fostering approaches, supporting carers to respond in a therapeutic, trauma-informed way.

Learning outcomes

The training will help foster carers deepen their understanding of attachment and brain development and strengthen their ability to provide sensitive, nurturing care that supports children’s emotional and developmental needs.

By the end of the course, you will have:

  • an understanding of attachment theory and its relevance to fostering
  • increased knowledge of early brain development and the impact of trauma and adversity
  • insight into how attachment experiences can influence behaviour, emotions and relationships
  • greater confidence in responding to children’s needs using trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches
  • practical strategies to support emotional regulation, safety and positive relationship building

Standards

Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS)

  • Standard 1: Understand the principles and values essential for fostering children and young people
  • Standard 2: Understand your role as a foster carer
  • Standard 3: Understand health and safety, and healthy care
  • Standard 4: Understand the development of children and young people
  • Standard 7: Develop yourself

National Minimum Standards (NMS)

  • NMS 4: Children’s needs are met through nurturing, stable and secure relationships
  • NMS 8: Children’s emotional and mental health needs are promoted and supported
  • NMS 10: Foster carers are supported to understand and respond to children’s behaviour
  • NMS 15: Foster carers receive effective training and professional development