Inclusion is a difficult, complex issue for which there are no off-the-shelf answers. To be an effective practitioner it is necessary to identify what makes each situation and circumstance unique and use this knowledge to develop strategies and approaches that are appropriate. This timely new text examines the key perceptions, perspectives and concepts around inclusion in the Early Years. Drawing on real-life experiences of practitioners, it considers the questions practitioners are likely to come across in their professional lives and how they might genuinely go about meeting the needs of all the children in their care. The book covers all aspects of inclusion including special educational needs, gender and sexuality, multiculturalism, multilingualism, Roma and traveller communities and economic wellbeing. Each chapter features: Case studies to develop reflective thinking Boxed examples to illustrate key points Questions to promote discussion and debate Annotated further reading lists With case studies drawn from current research and thinking points which encourage reflective practice, this book will be essential reading for students on early childhood studies programmes and early years foundation degrees that wish to become reflective and critically aware practitioners.

This insightful text shows how the attitudes of adults in early years settings can influence practice. 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. The book shows how the lives of practitioners, parents and children have been affected by inclusive and exclusionary practices. This new and revised edition includes an increased focus on: - inclusion as a political issue - social class - poverty - children′s rights - gay and lesbian parents and staff This text is essential 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 devleop their own inclusive practices. Cathy Nutbrown is Professor of Education and Director for Research at the University of Sheffield. Peter Clough is Honorary Professor of Education at the University of Sheffield Frances Atherton is Head of Department of Early Childhood Studies, at the University of Chester.

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 guide outlines best practice and key research findings on how to create a truly inclusive setting, covering all aspects of equality and diversity. The book contains advice on: supporting children with special educational needs and providing for children with English as an additional language.

Poverty and Inclusion in Early Years Education will help practitioners to understand the experiences of young children who are living in poverty. It examines the potentially devastating impact of poverty and social exclusion on children’s chances in later life, and considers recent policy and practice reforms which have recognised the critical role played by early years settings and practitioners in guaranteeing a secure foundation for children’s future attainment. The book explores the historical, political and legal aspects of policy on poverty and social exclusion, before offering guidance on how practitioners can help to address the inequalities caused by poverty and break the cycle of deprivation. Chapters go on to address the practicalities of working with children, families and agencies to create an inclusive early years environment, and focus on issues including: developing effective partnerships with families collaborating with outside agencies encouraging awareness of different socio-economic backgrounds. With case studies, reflective questions and further reading included throughout to help the reader to apply the ideas to their own practice, the book will be an invaluable resource for early years practitioners, students, and all those wishing to promote social inclusion and tackle the impact of social exclusion and poverty in early years settings.

Covering a wide range of concepts and taking a broader perspective of what inclusion entails, 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

' 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.

How can we support children to reach their full potential and not be constrained by gender expectations? Are gender roles fixed at birth or do they develop through experiences? Gender Diversity and Inclusion in Early Years Education introduces practitioners to key aspects of gender in the early years and explores how to ensure that children and staff teams are supported in settings that have outstanding practice. Considering the implications of gender in the context of supporting children, families and practitioners, this book examines the theoretical contexts that surround gender identity and explores current legislation and practice in order to provide practitioners with all the information they need to develop their own work and settings in an open and equal way. Offering a wealth of practical guidance, case studies and reflective questions which link to the EYFS, chapters cover: a theoretical approach to gender development; current legislation and the impact on early years practice; understanding gender fluidity and the way in which children express gender; creating gender equality when working with children and the role of manager in creating a supportive ethos. Including tasks, reflective points and links to useful websites and organisations, this book will be valuable reading for all early years practitioners and students that want to promote an inclusive environment for the children in their care, their families and colleagues.

Cultural Diversity and Inclusion in Early Years Education reveals how cultural diversity can be celebrated in every early years setting. Acknowledging the impact of culture on a child’s development and identity, the book demonstrates the need for practitioners to appreciate cultural difference, value diversity and ensure inclusive practices. Alongside comprehensive discussion of current and historical policy relating to multiculturalism and relevant sociocultural theory, the book provides practical guidance and resources to support practitioners in responding to the challenges of working with families and children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Chapters focus on topics such as: policy and the role of the practitioner sociocultural theories relating to child development building working relationships with families the impact of culture on a child's identity enabling environments and inclusive strategies. Including case studies, reflective questions and suggestions for further reading and research, this essential book will help early years practitioners and students to embrace the varied cultural heritages of the children in their care.

This new edition of the leading book in autism and early years practice continues to provide excellent guidance for all early years students and practitioners on how to work with young children who have autism or who appear on the autistic spectrum. Kate Wall′s wise words will resonate with all, as she sets out clear and realistic suggestions for ways to include young children with autism in mainstream settings, supporting her advice with case studies based on her own experience as a practitioner. Each chapter also looks at key issues and offers suggestions for discussion. Highlights of the new edition include: - coverage of the latest developments in research - reference to current early years legislation, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - new case studies, covering the full 0 to 8 age range - more suggestions for discussion - updated key texts for further reading. Every early years student and early years practitioner needs this book; it is an invaluable guide to best practice on how to work with young children with such particular needs. Kate Wall is Principal Lecturer in Childhood Studies at the University of Chichester. She has worked extensively as a practitioner in the early years, in both mainstream and specialist settings.