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.

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.

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.

"Intended for students in early childhood education programs with a focus on children with special needs (disabilities): inclusion in existing children's programs, discussion of early childhood development and how best to support it, discussion of various disabilities and challenges (cognitive, learning, physical) - how to identify and plan to support."--

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

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.

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.