The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Attachment Disorders is a specialist program designed for professionals working with children in educational, healthcare, and social settings. This diploma provides in-depth knowledge and practical insights into attachment theory, the identification of attachment disorders, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions. It is an ideal course for educators, child psychologists, nursery practitioners, and foster or adoption support workers who wish to expand their understanding and skills in this crucial area of early childhood development.
Attachment disorders in early childhood are serious conditions that can profoundly affect a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. These disorders typically arise when a child does not form a secure bond with their primary caregiver during the critical early years of life. They may manifest as avoidant behaviours, emotional detachment, or difficulty forming healthy relationships. Children with insecure attachment patterns are at a higher risk of facing long-term challenges, including mental health issues and behavioural difficulties.
OSHAA’s 30-hour diploma is structured to provide comprehensive training over a flexible timeframe, allowing learners to balance their professional responsibilities while advancing their qualifications. The course curriculum integrates psychological theory with practical tools, equipping participants to assess and address attachment-related difficulties in real-world contexts.
The OSHAA diploma is delivered through a blend of online resources, interactive modules, and tutor-led sessions. This flexible format ensures that learners from diverse professional backgrounds can participate and succeed. The course encourages reflective practice, critical thinking, and peer engagement, allowing participants to deepen their understanding through discussion and shared experience.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Attachment Disorders
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Attachment Theory and Child Development (3 hours)
- Understand the foundational concepts of attachment theory within child development
- Identify key theorists and their contributions to attachment research
- Explain the stages of early childhood development in relation to attachment formation
- Recognise the significance of secure attachment for emotional and psychological growth
Types of Attachment and Their Long-Term Impact (5 hours)
- Differentiate between secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganised attachment styles
- Analyse the behavioural traits associated with each attachment type
- Evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of attachment styles on emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships
- Understand the potential implications of attachment styles on academic and social outcomes
Causes and Risk Factors of Attachment Disorders (3 hours)
- Identify the environmental, familial, and biological factors contributing to attachment disorders
- Explore the impact of trauma, neglect, and inconsistent caregiving
- Examine the role of socio-economic and cultural influences on attachment development
- Understand the interplay between risk and resilience in child development
Recognising Signs and Symptoms in Early Childhood (5 hours)
- Identify behavioural and emotional indicators of attachment disorders in young children
- Understand the difference between normal developmental variations and clinical concerns
- Develop observation skills to detect early warning signs in home, school, or care environments
- Recognise the co-occurrence of attachment difficulties with other developmental or mental health conditions
Assessment and Diagnostic Approaches (3 hours)
- Understand the principles of formal and informal assessment in attachment-related cases
- Learn about tools and methods used in identifying attachment disorders
- Evaluate the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnostic process
- Understand ethical considerations in the assessment of vulnerable children
Therapeutic Models and Intervention Strategies (4 hours)
- Explore evidence-based therapeutic approaches for supporting children with attachment disorders
- Understand the role of play therapy, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and trauma-informed care
- Learn how to tailor interventions to individual needs and developmental stages
- Gain insight into monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes
Working with Families and Caregivers (3 hours)
- Understand the importance of caregiver-child relationships in the healing process
- Learn how to engage and educate parents and carers in attachment-based practices
- Explore strategies for building trust and cooperation with families
- Develop communication techniques for supporting carers facing complex challenges
Attachment in Educational and Social Care Settings (4 hours)
- Understand how attachment issues present in classroom and social care environments
- Learn strategies for creating attachment-friendly settings in schools and care homes
- Develop techniques for managing challenging behaviours linked to attachment difficulties
- Explore the role of educators and social care professionals in fostering emotional security and resilience
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of attachment theory and its real-world applications in early childhood settings
- Develop the skills to recognise and respond to attachment-related challenges in children
- Enhance your ability to assess, plan, and implement targeted interventions that support emotional development
- Build confidence in working collaboratively with families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams
- Improve your professional capacity to support children affected by trauma, neglect, or disrupted relationships
- Strengthen your communication, observation, and reflective practice skills
- Receive a professionally recognised diploma that adds value to your career in education, healthcare, or social care
- Study flexibly at your own pace with accessible, structured learning materials
- Apply evidence-based strategies in real-world contexts, improving outcomes for vulnerable children
- Join a network of like-minded professionals committed to child-centred and trauma-informed practice
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Attachment Disorders is designed for individuals and professionals who work directly or indirectly with children in their early developmental years. This course is ideal for:
- Early years practitioners and nursery staff
- Primary school teachers and teaching assistants
- Special educational needs (SEN) coordinators and support staff
- Child psychologists and counsellors
- Social workers and family support workers
- Foster carers, adoptive parents, and kinship carers
- Healthcare professionals involved in child and adolescent services
- Youth workers and professionals in residential care
- Individuals pursuing a career in child development or therapeutic support
- Safeguarding leads and child protection officers
No prior qualification in psychology is required, making this diploma accessible to anyone with a commitment to supporting the emotional and relational wellbeing of children.
