Anxious Attachment Style

Strategies for Supporting Pupils with Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment

This engaging one-page resource helps educators understand and support pupils who present with characteristics of anxious/ambivalent attachment. It explores how attachment needs can influence behaviour, relationships, and learning in the classroom, while providing practical, trauma-informed strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Perfect for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and school leaders, this resource outlines:

What anxious/ambivalent attachment may look like in school
The impact of uncertainty and separation anxiety on learning and behaviour
Relationship-based approaches that build safety and trust
Practical classroom strategies and environmental adaptations
Ideas for providing reassurance, predictability, and emotional regulation support
Inclusive approaches that promote engagement and wellbeing

This resource is ideal for staff training, professional development, SEND and SEMH provision, inclusion teams, and classroom displays.

If you would like an editable version of this resource, please email nicola@elasticeducation.co.uk.