Introduce
Inclusive education is an approach where learners, regardless of ability or disability, learn together according to age. It promotes equal access to educational opportunities, though there may be teaching methods tailored to individual need. Inclusive education should offer a supportive environment where diversity is valued. Parents, educators and specialists should work together. Inclusive education is considered to benefit all learners.
Develop
Görranson & Nilholm (2014) identify 4 definitions of inclusion:
- Placement definition – inclusion as placement of children with disabilities/in need of special support in general settings
- Specified individualised definition – inclusion as meeting the social/educational needs of children with disabilities/those in need of special support
- General individualised definition – inclusion as meeting the social/educational needs of all children
- Community definition – inclusion as the creation of communities with specific characteristics (which could vary between contexts)
The Early Years (EY) SEND Review Tool is a structured self-evaluation framework which aims to support early years settings (whether private, voluntary, independent, and maintained early years providers) evaluate and improve their provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Developed by Achievement for All and for the Department for Education, it is designed to support inclusive practice and helps settings identify strengths and areas for development in a way that embeds inclusive values.
Refer to Early-Years-SEND-Review-Guide.pdf for further details.
Reflect
Thinking about your practice, what would be required to be inclusive?