Part of the EYFS Glossary
This article forms part of our EYFS Glossary of Early Years Education Terms, which explains key curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment language used in early years practice.
Secure Attachment refers to a relationship in which a child feels safe, supported, and confident that a familiar adult will respond to their needs consistently and sensitively.
What is Secure Attachment?
Secure attachment describes a type of relationship between a child and a familiar adult where the child feels safe, understood, and supported. In this relationship, the child trusts that the adult will respond to their needs in a consistent and caring way.
This sense of security allows the child to explore their environment while knowing they can return to the adult for comfort and reassurance when needed.
Secure Attachment in Early Childhood
In early childhood, secure attachment relationships are often formed with parents, carers, and key people within early years settings.
Children with secure attachment may:
seek comfort from familiar adults when needed
feel confident exploring their environment
return to an adult for reassurance
show trust in familiar caregivers
These behaviours reflect a developing sense of safety and trust.
Characteristics of Secure Attachment
Secure attachment relationships often include:
consistent and responsive care
sensitivity to the child’s needs and signals
emotional warmth and reassurance
predictable and reliable interactions
a strong sense of trust between child and adult
These characteristics help children feel secure and supported in their environment.
How Secure Attachment Develops
Secure attachment develops over time through repeated, positive interactions between the child and adult.
This may include:
responding promptly to a child’s needs
providing comfort and reassurance
engaging in meaningful interaction
maintaining consistent relationships
supporting the child during transitions
Through these experiences, children learn that their needs will be met and that they can rely on the adult.
Secure Attachment and Children’s Development
Secure attachment supports development across several areas, including:
emotional wellbeing
confidence and independence
social relationships
engagement in learning
When children feel secure, they are more likely to explore, interact, and participate in experiences that support their development.
Common Questions About Secure Attachment
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Secure attachment provides a foundation for emotional wellbeing, relationships, and learning in early childhood.
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Yes. Children can develop secure attachments with key people in early years settings as well as with parents or carers.
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Children may need additional support to feel safe and develop trusting relationships. Early years practitioners can play an important role in providing consistent and responsive care.
Summary
Secure Attachment refers to a relationship where a child feels safe, supported, and confident that their needs will be met by a familiar adult. This sense of security supports children’s emotional wellbeing, development, and engagement in learning.
Related Glossary Terms
The following glossary entries are closely related to Secure Attachment and provide additional context:
Further Guidance | Related Documents within our ‘EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy’ suite:
Below you will find a selection of guidance documents from within our Little Owls Resources ‘Curriculum & Pedagogy’ area which explore this concept (& its age-specific application within EYFS settings) in greater depth.
[For additional documents please visit our support pathways: Baby | Toddler | Preschool | Reception | Mixed-Age]
Further Guidance | Related Resources within our ‘Printable Provision’ area:
Disclaimer
The information provided in this glossary is intended to support understanding of terminology commonly used within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It does not constitute official guidance and should not be considered a substitute for the EYFS Statutory Framework or other Department for Education publications.
Terminology and interpretations may vary between settings and professional contexts.