Research in the fields of infancy, mental health and neurobiology over the last several decades has changed our understanding of babies and the adults they become.

It is now very clear that what we experience, feel and know in our infant and toddler years becomes the map by which we navigate the world.

The quality of the relationships with our parents and caregivers are the key features that influence us for the rest of our lives - our sense of ourselves and our relationships with others.

Attachment is the way we relate to the important people in our lives. It is a key element of psychological and emotional wellbeing and forms our views about love and connection. Attachment patterns are grounded in our first experiences - those primary relationships of our first years of life - our baby years!

This secure relationship gives the child confidence that someone will be available to help her when she needs it and helps to form a foundation of health that the securely attached baby will carry with her for life.

At PORSE, we aim to provide every child in our care with a secure attachment relationship with their educator.

During the first nine months of life a baby’s focus will be on creating a secure attachment relationship with their mother/primary caregiver.

Once established, additional attachment relationships come on board that will strengthen the child’s relationship networks and subsequent emotional and psychological wellbeing.

PORSEs In-Home Programme allows children to develop a deep bond and experience the continuity of one special relationship with an educator - as well as providing a wealth of training and ongoing support for educators and Area Team Staff

PORSEs Vision is for every child in New Zealand to be nurtured within a secure attachment relationship that complements their primary bond with their parents and widens their circle of security.

Interested in knowing more about secure attachment relationships and their impact on early brain development?