ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the each child brings their own template of relationships to school with them based on their experiences outside school. A child's first relationship is with their main caregiver, and this is usually a mother, father, grandparent or other relative. The quality of this primary relationship can determine the standard of future relationships, as children will often approach new relationships based on their previous experiences. Children need to have positive experiences of separating from their main carer to be able to manage the school day and relationships that occur within the school setting with both adults and children. If a child has not had this positive experience, it is possible to repair some of this by providing consistent, predictable, positive nurturing relationships in school with school staff. Some families may find it difficult to model positive relationships with each other or with people outside the family.
