Understanding Why: Understanding attachment and how this can affect education with special reference to adopted children and young people and those looked after by local authorities

Understanding Why describes behaviours and feelings that are common among many children and young people who have experienced a major loss or trauma early in their lives - these are known as ‘attachment difficulties’. Written for teachers, teaching assistants, lecturers, school nurses, education support staff for looked after and vulnerable children, foster and other carers, residential child care workers, and parents of children and young people, it will help teachers and others in education settings recognise attachment difficulties and consider how to help a child or young person achieve their full potential. it is also useful for parents, carers and others with care responsibilities recognise attachment needs and to work together with schools to support the child or young person’s successful learning.