What does Inclusion mean?

Inclusion is seen as a universal human right. The aim of inclusion is to embrace all people irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical or other need. It is about giving equal access and opportunities and getting rid of discrimination and intolerance (removal of barriers). It affects all aspects of public life.

Educational inclusion.

In education "inclusion" has become the term used to describe the right of parents and children to access mainstream education alongside their peers, where parents want it and children's needs can be met.

Integration, where the focus was on the child's ability to adapt has been replaced by Inclusion. The focus for Inclusion is on the setting's ability to adapt to the needs of the child, altering where necessary the way it works.

An inclusive setting works towards providing effective planning and different activities (differentiation) in order to meet individual needs.

A number of educational establishments have found that a move towards inclusive education has led to an improvement in general educational standards. This is backed up by research.

Devon is firmly committed to providing inclusive education. In striving towards greater inclusion, we must learn from and build on the many examples of good practice that exist.

Who are we including in Early Years Settings?

Inclusion is about providing equal opportunities for all children. When aiming to provide an inclusive curriculum it is important to identify some of the groups who may be part of an Early Years Setting.

• boys and girls
• minority ethnic and faith groups, travellers, asylum seekers and refugees
• children who need support to learn English as an additional language
• children and young people with special educational needs
• gifted and talented children
• children who are looked after by the local authority
• sick children
• children from families under stress
• children at risk of disaffection and exclusion