Circle of Security Parenting Programme

The Circle of Security Parenting Programme is an evidence-based approach grounded in on decades of attachment-based research. It is designed to help support parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s emotional needs and strengthen the parent-child relationship in a practical and accessible way.

At the heart of the programme is the belief that:

• Children are born with an innate drive to connect with their caregivers.

• All parents want the best for their children and have the capacity to support secure attachment.

• Children’s emotional needs can be difficult to spot in the fast pace of daily life, but with guidance, they become easier to recognise and respond to.

• Secure relationships lay the foundation for healthy development—impacting behaviour, confidence, learning, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing.

• Our own experiences of being parented influence how we care for our children, often in ways we may not realise. By reflecting on these patterns, we can make more conscious and supportive parenting choices.

Circle of Security offers a non-judgemental, reflective space for parents to build stronger, more secure connections with their children—fostering resilience, trust, and emotional health.

Who Is It Suitable For?

The Circle of Security Parenting Programme is suitable for any parent or caregiver looking to strengthen their relationship with their child. While the content is primarily focused on parenting younger children, the core principles are relevant across all ages and stages of child development.

The programme can be delivered to parents individually or in a group at school or online. The course is helpful for parents experiencing challenges in their parenting journey, as well as those who wish to build on an already strong relationship and deepen their understanding of their child’s emotional world.

How the course works:

This course runs over 8 weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 1½ hours. Sessions include video content, printed materials, and discussions to help you engage with the material in a practical and meaningful way.

Course Overview by Week:

• Week 1 Introduction to the Circle concept

• Week 2 Understanding your child’s needs around the Circle

• Week 3 “Being With”: Supporting your child’s emotional development

• Week 4 “Being With” infants: Nurturing secure attachment early on

• Week 5 Building the path to emotional security

• Week 6 Understanding and navigating parenting challenges

• Week 7 Repairing ruptures in connection and building resilience

• Week 8 Course summary and reflection