' This is a book for those who want to find more, to broaden their own perceptions and understanding of inclusion and to base their own practice on research, and as such would interest and inform any practitioner from managers to students.'- Early Years Update 'This text is a 'must buy' for anyone interested in inclusive education in the early years... A particular strength of the book is the way in which the everyday experiences of children, parents and practitioners are discussed in relation to educational theory... Perhaps the greatest strength of the book though, lies in the way that ideas are based on research findings are presented so clearly. It will almost certainly be nominated for this year's NASEN/TES academic book award and deservedly so' - SENCO Update 'Refreshingly, in this book, inclusion is not about a narrow group of students defined as 'special' but about increasing the participation of everybody involved in early years settings. It is about reducing the exclusion of all children, their families and communities. It is also about the practitioners who work with them, whose involvement in decisions in their own workplace is critical if they are to support the participation of children. It is rich with experience, from the UK and internationally, building up an understanding of education from stories of encounters with children and their families. This book will help readers to escape from the confines of considering children, and the difficulties they encounter, through the constricting and distorting lens of special educational needs' - Tony Booth, Professor of Inclusive and International Education Canterbury Christ Church University 'Fascinating reading ... bound to inform discussions and encourage early years practicioners to develop and reflect on their own practices ... I will be recommending this book to colleagues and adding it to my essential reading list for students' - Nursery World 'A very helpful book which both challenges and informs... [It] brings together important evidence to help us find a positive way forward' - Early Education 'Well-written and accessible... The book is rich with the reported experiences and ideas of educators and provides clear pointers for further research and discussion. It will serve as an excellent stimulus for educators in any early-years setting who are seeking to develop their own agreed philosophy and inclusive practices' - Support For Learning By identifying and discussing key research studies on inclusion in the early years, and drawing on studies of practitioners’ views and experiences of working inclusively, this insightful text shows how practices in a range of early years settings can be influenced by the attitudes and responses of adults in those settings. The authors argue for a broad definition of inclusion, not limited to those with learning difficulties or impairment, but addressing factors affecting all members of the learning community. Key factors which can make inclusion successful are highlighted, including curriculum and pedagogy, professional development and work with parents. The book shows how working inclusively involves all members of the setting community, and presents a number of original stories (generated from a recent research project carried out by the authors) of how the lives of practitioners, parents and children have been affected by inclusive and non- inclusive practices. This is an essential text for all early years students, practitioners and researchers who want to become familiar with current research into inclusion and to develop ways of drawing on such studies to inform and develop their own inclusive practices.

This book provides critical insights and practical approaches to help you support babies and young children with special educational needs and disability (SEND) in the early years. The book starts by briefly considering the current political and legislative context before considering what this means for children with SEND in early years settings. Numerous case studies offer real-world examples to challenge and develop your thinking and there are summary key points, thought provoking questions and ideas for developing practice. In addition the book draws on parents' and children's perspectives to assist you in devising an individual and setting action plan for babies and young children with SEND. Key content includes: How the principle of the 'unique child' informs practice for all children Implications of the 2014 Code of Practice for early years provision What 'good practice' looks like Early identification and intervention, and engagement with parents Exploring the role of the SENCO Keeping families' and children's voices at the heart of all decision making. This is an invaluable book for anyone involved in early years provision who strives to improve their practice to include all children and their families. Kay Mathieson is an Early Years Consultant and Director at Linden Learning Ltd, UK. Kay Mathieson is a passionate advocate for making inclusive values the core of high quality early years practice so that every unique child can access their entitlement to support for learning and development. She starts with a fascinating journey through historico-political attitudes to special educational needs and disability. The contemporary case studies bring to life the joys, challenges and dilemmas involved for practitioners, children and parents. Their words alongside Kay's own reflections, knowledge and expertise make this a 'must-read' for all early years leaders and practitioners. Helen Moylett, President of British Association of Early Education

This accessible text provides guidance on the inclusion of young children with special educational needs or disabilities in a variety of early education settings. The author highlights the complexity of early identification and assessment of children described as having special educational needs. Practitioners are encouraged to consider make exclusion visible and consider important questions relating to the language and values underpinning the early years policy and practice. The emphasis is on inclusion as a process aimed at supporting young children and their families in order to enable all children with SEN or disabilities the opportunity to participate in activities available to all children in an inclusive learning environment. The author promotes the development of inclusive early years cultures where inclusion of all children is regarded as a right rather than an option. The text has implications for the teaching and learning of all young children not only those perceived as having special educational needs. The theoretical perspectives are supported by examples based on concerns and experiences of parents, children and practitioners. It is essential reading for those working or intending to work with young children.

In this engaging book, the authors share stories from their practice and research about several young children with a variety of developmental delays and disabilities and their teachers. They explore the ways that teachers and children respond in real classrooms to real challenges, examining both those opportunities that are capitalized on as well as those that are missed. The book addresses a wide array of issues that contribute to our understanding of what makes a difference in the inclusive early childhood classroom, including the role of development, ways of honoring different learning styles, building a sense of classroom community, addressing power dynamics, and responding to conflict with both teachers and peers. This practical resource introduces a framework that will inspire early childhood teachers to reflect on their own practices and take action to develop new strategies for teaching in inclusive classrooms.

Covering a wide range of concepts and taking a broader perspective of what inclusion entail, this book offers an overview of current research, policy and practice in diversity and inclusion in the early years. It is a clear introduction to what inclusive practice means for those working with young children in the early stages of their lives. With case studies and activities designed to help students relate to diverse situations, the author discusses the main issues surrounding: - race - gender - culture - disability and Special Educational Needs - English as an Additional Language - Traveller children - the contexts of inclusion and exclusion - good practice in early childhood settings - different perspectives of inclusion This is essential reading for students studying inclusion and diversity on early childhood or early years courses, and those seeking to promote good practice and enable all children to develop to their full potential irrespective of their background. ′The success of this book is in its ability to explore inclusion from a wide perspective. Offering a range of thought-provoking material, such as reflective questions, debates and controversies, practitioner, parent and children′s views, legislation, activities, and examples of good practice, will keep readers interested and actively engaged throughout the book′ -Dr Anna Kilderry, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia Chandrika Devarakonda is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Children′s Services at the University of Chester.

Intentional leadership can unite, motivate and empower all educators to work towards the common goal of creating a truly inclusive culture in which all children, with or without disabilities, are supported and enabled to fully participate in every aspect of daily life and learning. This book recognises diverse manifestations of special educational needs, from communication difficulties and delays in learning, to social and physical disabilities, and considers the ways in which these needs might be embraced within inclusive mainstream settings. Key to this is robust and purposeful leadership that removes barriers to learning, changes existing attitudes and values, motivates staff and foregrounds holistic learning opportunities and experiences. Chapters draw on theoretical models, reflect on international and national policies, and consider topics including: the image of the child physical, aesthetic and temporal aspects of the learning environment relational pedagogy long-, medium- and short-term planning the role of assessment collaborative working with parents, families and other professionals. In-depth descriptions of behaviours and leadership strategies, practice scenarios and activities support the reader’s understanding. Intentional Leadership for Effective Inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care is a comprehensive guide for students, teachers and practitioners involved in Early Childhood Education and Care, Social Care and Early Intervention programmes.

Disability and Inclusion in Early Years Education supports practitioners in understanding and implementing inclusive practice relating to disability in early years education. Offering a detailed explanation of recent developments in the field, such as the 2015 SEND Code of Practice, it provides straightforward and accessible guidance on implementing the crucial procedures that help to promote good practice. More broadly, the book provides guidance on creating a fully inclusive early years environment that will support all children, focusing on high-incidence needs around communication, behaviour and learning. Chapters offer a wealth of practical tools and strategies to support the inclusion of children with disabilities more effectively, covering key topics such as: assessment, early identification and individualised learning working with parents, carers and families the key role of picture books multisensory approaches to learning supporting behaviour and communication This text will be valuable reading for all early years practitioners and students who want to promote the inclusion of children with SEND in mainstream provisions.

This sequel to Promoting Inclusive Practice, assists professional in the process of identifying and implementing policies that benefit pupils with special educational needs.