Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Introduction -- 1 Families and the earliest years -- 2 Special needs to inclusion -- 3 Leading the workforce: practice to policy -- Index

Using theory and practice to explore partnerships between professionals and families, Family Learning to Inclusion in the Early Years adds to current expertise through deeper insight into the complexities of inclusion within a specific context of family learning. The book presents inclusive practice which reflects the individuality of each child. Application of a therapeutic approach to promote, or to minimise, behaviour through self-regulation is demonstrated to the reader by illustrative examples. Hazel G. Whitters emphasises the value of supporting every child at the very beginning of a lifelong learning journey by activating the vocational skills of the early years’ workforce. Beginning with a discussion of the concept of family in the 21st century, descriptive scenarios help readers to link theory to the reality of daily practice in a clear and useful way. The book presents a generational cycle of development through a theoretical and practical perspective, and explains how practice can contribute to closing the implementation gap within a context of family learning and inclusion in the early years. It encourages exchange of knowledge and understanding on issues, prompting readers’ reflection, re-configuration, discussion, dissent, argument, or agreement. An essential read for any in the field of inclusive lifelong learning, this book will be of interest to academics, post-graduate students, and researchers in the field of early years’ education, as well as those working within services.

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.

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 book provides an overview of inclusive education theory & practice within early years education. Written for students on early years courses as well as for practitioners in the early years sector, it provides an overview of theory in inclusive education in the early years, together with a summary of practical implications.

Drawing on the expertise of a range of professionals, this practical guide will help Early Years practitioners to actively engage fathers in their child's wellbeing. Engaging Fathers in the Early Years provides practitioners with: - Tried-and-tested strategies for successfully engaging fathers across a range of services - Effective approaches for working with different groups of fathers, including young and separated fathers - Up-to-date evidence on the impact of father involvement on child outcomes - Current policy frameworks and their impact on working with fathers and male carers - Evaluation techniques to monitor the development of work with fathers over time