Secure Base

Through training and ongoing opportunities for learning and reflection, the Secure Base model has been embedded as a therapeutic caregiving approach in a number of organisation across England and beyond. I was involved in implementing and supporting a Local Authority in London to use this model as their caregiving approach in the Fostering and Adoption teams.

The model is based on research by Gillian Schofield  and Mary Beek (1997-2016) from the Univeristy of East Anglia, on foster care – drawing on attachment research and caregiving linked to security (Mary Ainsworth). Their research concludes that Secure Base caregiving is associated with the development of secure attachments, which offers a a wide range of developmental benefits for a child. It helps children in all other relationships as well as their ability to  engage in constructive and fulfilling activities.

The Secure Base model is therefore also used in schools.

This 1-day training introduces participants to the 5 dimensions of the Secure Base model: Availability; Sensitivity; Acceptance; Cooperation and Family Membership. It shows how everyday caregiving experiences can be used to consciously address underlying developmental needs for the child, and in so doing build the attachment between carer and child. It is a practical and accessible model that carers find helpful to organise their caregiving. Carers report that it helps them to be feel empowered and more conscious and thoughtful about how their caregiving helps a child with specific difficulties.

The Secure Base model can also be used in an organisation to develop and strengthen relationships within the organisation, for example in teams.

Although the training can be delivered in one day, I would offer consultation and ongoing reflective supervision to embed the model in practice.