0mo–11mo7 minQuiet timeSelf-careMealtime
Attachment Moments Mini-Practice
A short staff micro-practice to prioritise attachment: noticing cues, responding promptly, and using predictable ‘repair’ during transitions with your child.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe, calm space with your child
- your voice and attentive face-to-face positioning
Nice to have
- a light blanket/cloth
- a simple object to look at together (spoon, scarf, rattle you already have)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneEnjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneSeeks caregiver comfortHeart· 0mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· stretch
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneImitates facial movementsMind· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Gazes at faces and copies facial movements. e.g. sticking out tongue, opening mouth and widening eyes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure staff are aware of the importance of attachment in relationships.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)