How Inclusive Practice in Early Years Supports Every Child’s Growth

Using Inclusive- Practices in your Classroom

clendar March 20, 2025

clendar 16 minutes

28255 Viewers

Summary:

Inclusive practice in early years ensures all children, regardless of background or abilities, have equal opportunities to learn and grow. It values diversity, promotes belonging, and adapts teaching to individual needs, fostering inclusion and lifelong development while aligning with legal frameworks like the EYFS.

In the early years of a child’s education, creating an inclusive environment where every child has equal opportunities to learn and grow is crucial. Inclusive practice in early childhood education is about accommodating individual needs to ensure every child can participate and succeed in their learning journey.

This blog will delve into the meaning of inclusive practice in the early years, its significance, and how it can be incorporated into the classroom. You’ll also discover the benefits of this approach and how it helps to foster a positive and accepting learning environment for all children.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, caregiver, or simply interested in education, this blog will provide valuable information and insights into inclusive practice in the early years.

What is Inclusive Practice?

Inclusive practice is an approach to teaching, learning and assessment that ensures that every student has equal access to educational opportunities and can participate fully in the learning regardless of their differences and needs. Additionally, this approach involves creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all students feel valued, respected and included.

Besides, it also requires using various teaching methods and materials that cater to different learning styles, providing additional support for students with special needs, and removing barriers to learning such as discrimination and prejudice. Moreover, the ultimate goal of inclusive practice is to provide all students with the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

What is Inclusive Practice in Early Years?

The early years are a crucial time in a child’s development, and an inclusive approach to education can significantly impact their future educational and personal growth. Besides, the early years are a period when children are most in need of support.

Inclusive practice in the early years refers to an approach to educating young children that values diversity and promotes inclusiveness. Additionally, it aims to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, abilities, or needs, have equal educational opportunities and can fully participate in the learning process.

In the early years, this means creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment and using various teaching methods and materials that cater to different learning styles.

What is Inclusive Practice in Childcare?

Promoting diversity and equality in childcare environments is crucial for ensuring children grow up as well-rounded, accepting, and kind individuals. Moreover, inclusive practice in early years also involves providing additional support for children with special needs, such as those with learning difficulties or disabilities, and removing barriers to learning, such as discrimination and prejudice.

Further, inclusive practice in childcare builds self-esteem develops a sense of belonging and reaches their full potential by fostering a positive and accepting learning environment. Importantly, the goal of inclusive practice in childcare is to ensure that every child has equal access to educational opportunities and the chance to reach their full potential.

Learn How to Promote Diversity in Early Years in our latest publish.

What is Non-Inclusive Practice?

Non-inclusive practice is the opposite of inclusive practice. It refers to an approach to education or care that does not value diversity and does not promote inclusiveness. This practice does not consider each child’s needs and abilities and may exclude or discriminate against certain groups of children.

Besides, non-inclusive practice can create a hostile or unwelcoming environment for some children, preventing them from fully participating in the learning process or reaching their full potential. It can also contribute to a lack of self-esteem, social isolation, and discrimination.

Examples of non-inclusive practice can include:

Using a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching.
Failing to provide adequate support for children with special needs.
Not addressing bullying or prejudice.

Moreover, non-inclusive practices can also involve ignoring cultural or linguistic differences or not making reasonable adjustments to accommodate children with disabilities.

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Difference Between Inclusive Practice and Non-Inclusive Practice in Education.

The difference between inclusive and non-inclusive practices in education lies in their approach to diversity and inclusiveness. Inclusive practice in education values diversity and promotes inclusiveness by accommodating all students’ unique needs and abilities.

Conversely, the non-inclusive approach fails to value diversity and may discriminate, creating a hostile environment for some students and hindering their education.

Let’s see why and how Inclusive Practice is essential in our education.

The Importance of Inclusive Practice

Here are some key points that highlight the importance of inclusive practice in education:

Promotes equality: Inclusive practice ensures that all students have equal educational opportunities, regardless of their background, abilities, or needs. This helps to reduce discrimination and promote fairness in the educational system.

One: Fosters a positive learning environment: An inclusive learning environment promotes students’ sense of belonging, respect, and well-being. This can create a more positive and engaging learning experience for all students.
Two: Supports student development: Inclusive practice helps to support the growth and development of all students by catering to their individual needs and abilities. This enables students to reach their full potential and achieve academic success.
Three: Promotes social skills and awareness: Inclusive practice encourages students’ understanding and acceptance of differences. This helps to foster a more tolerant and respectful school culture and develop students’ social skills and awareness.
Four: Prepares students for real-world diversity: Inclusive education exposes students to diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. This prepares them to work and interact effectively in a global, diverse society.

In conclusion, inclusive practice is critical in promoting equality, fostering positive learning environments, supporting student development, promoting social skills and awareness, and preparing students for real-world diversity.

Inclusive Education and the Law in the UK

In the UK, inclusive practice is supported by various laws to ensure equality and combat discrimination in education. Some of the essential legislation regarding inclusive education include:

Equality Act 2010: Prohibits discrimination in various areas of life, including education, and requires schools to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities.
Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014: Schools must identify, assess, and provide for students with special needs and disabilities and produce an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each student.
Children and Families Act 2014: Establishes a new system for supporting children with special needs and disabilities and requires schools to work with parents and agencies to meet the needs of these students.
Human Rights Act 1998: Incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, mandating that schools respect the human rights of all students, including the right to education.

Notably, these laws guarantee that students with special needs and disabilities in the UK have access to education that is suited to their needs. They also strive to create an inclusive education system that recognises diversity and combats discrimination.

What are the Benefits of Inclusive Practices?

Inclusive practices can bring about numerous benefits to schools and communities. First, these practices improve student achievement and engagement as all students feel valued and included in the learning process. This also contributes to a greater sense of community and belonging, which helps foster a more positive school culture.

Besides, increased diversity and cultural understanding are additional benefits of inclusive practices, as students can learn from and interact with peers from different backgrounds. By promoting inclusive practices, students will be better prepared for a diverse world and to work in a diverse workforce.

Further, teachers who implement inclusive practices report higher levels of job satisfaction as they see the positive impact of their teaching. Inclusive practices also help reduce bullying and other forms of exclusion, which is essential for promoting a safe and supportive learning environment.

Additionally, inclusive practices help ensure that schools comply with anti-discrimination laws and provide all students with an equal education.

What are Examples of Inclusive Practice?

Inclusive practice makes education, services and environments accessible to all individuals, regardless of their differences. Here are some examples of inclusive approaches in the United Kingdom:

Providing accessible facilities: It includes physical modifications to buildings, such as ramps and elevators, and ensuring enough space for people using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
Inclusive curriculum design: This involves ensuring that the curriculum is inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities it serves, such as using non-stereotypical images and language and including the contributions of different groups.
Supporting students with special educational needs: This involves providing individualized support to students with special educational needs, such as extra time in exams or help from a learning support assistant.
Promoting diversity and combating discrimination: This involves creating an inclusive culture in the workplace, school or community that values diversity and actively works to combat discrimination, such as through anti-bullying policies and equality and diversity training.
Encouraging active participation: This involves ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to participate, such as providing alternative formats for information and communication and allowing flexible working arrangements.
Language support: This involves providing support to individuals who are not fluent in the dominant language, such as providing interpretation and translation services.

These are some examples of inclusive practices in the UK. However, it’s important to remember that inclusion is an ongoing process and requires continuous efforts to be effective.

Inclusive schools and learning environments aim to provide equal opportunities and support for all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or learning styles.

Components of Inclusive schools and Learning Environments

There are many components of inclusive practice. Vital components of Inclusive schools and learning environments include high expectations for all students, a diverse and inclusive curriculum, a positive and supportive learning environment, effective and responsive teaching, collaborative and inclusive relationships, accessible resources and technology, inclusive discipline policies, and continuous professional development for teachers. The goal is to ensure that all students can participate fully in the educational process and reach their full potential.

Using Inclusive Practices in your Classroom

To use inclusive practices in the classroom, it is essential to get to know your students, differentiate instruction, encourage participation, foster a positive culture, use technology, promote diversity and inclusion, provide accommodations, and continuously evaluate and improve. This can create an inclusive, supportive, and equitable learning environment for all students.

Additionally, an inclusive school or learning environment has a focus on equity and accessibility, with a curriculum that is diverse and inclusive, a positive and supportive atmosphere, effective and responsive teaching, and accessible resources and technology. Besides, it values the contributions of all members of the school community and fosters ongoing professional development for teachers to promote inclusive practices.

Early Years Foundation Stage Inclusive Practice

The UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework promotes inclusive practice by requiring regular assessment of children’s needs, providing a flexible and inclusive curriculum, building positive relationships, creating inclusive learning environments, promoting diversity and inclusion, and continually improving practice. Besides, it helps ensure that all children have equal access to high-quality early years education and care.

Children in Early Years Should be Supported to:

First: Feel secure and welcome in the environment.
Second: Develop a sense of belonging.
Third: Learn and grow at their own pace.
Fourth: Achieve their full potential.

Inclusive Practice Teaching Checklist

An inclusive practice teaching checklist can guide teachers in creating an inclusive classroom environment. Here are some items that could be included on such a checklist:

Get to know your students: Regularly assess students’ needs, interests, and abilities to tailor instruction and support.
Differentiate instruction: Offer a range of activities and assessment methods that cater to different abilities, learning styles, and interests.
Encourage participation: Provide opportunities for all students to participate and contribute to the learning process.
Foster a positive culture: Promote a respectful, positive, and supportive classroom culture.
Use technology: Utilise technology to support learning for all students, including assistive technology for students with disabilities.
Promote diversity and inclusion: Incorporate diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures into the curriculum and create an inclusive learning environment.
Provide accommodations: Offer reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
Continuously evaluate and improve: Regularly evaluate inclusive practices and seek feedback from students and families to make necessary improvements.

This checklist can guide teachers to ensure that they are incorporating inclusive practices into their teaching and creating an environment where all students can succeed.

Summary

In summary, equity and inclusion require more than treating everyone the same. Inclusive practice in early years is an approach that values diversity and ensures that every child has the same opportunities for learning and growth. Adopting inclusive practices is necessary for ensuring that all children have an equal chance to succeed despite their background or who they are. This is achieved by tailoring the curriculum and teaching methods to meet each child’s needs and abilities.

Besides, inclusive practice in education can be described as attitudes and practices. It ensures all learners can access learning. Everyone works to ensure that all learners feel welcome and valued and get the proper support to help them grow their talents and achieve their objectives. When education is genuinely inclusive, it can benefit not only all learners but also the staff, the school or college and the wider community.

To comply with the legislation and for your career advancement check out our Early Years Teacher & Child Care Course.

FAQ

What is an Inclusive Practice in the Early Years?

Inclusive practice in the early years refers to working with young children and their families based on inclusiveness and equality principles. This means that all children, regardless of their background, abilities, or needs, are valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Why is Inclusive Practice Critical in the Early Years?

Inclusive practice is vital in the early years because it lays the foundation for children’s future learning, development and well-being. It also helps to promote equality and tackle discrimination and prejudice early on. By ensuring that all children feel included and valued, practitioners can create a positive and supportive environment where children can thrive.

What is Meant by Inclusion and Inclusive Practice?

Inclusion is about ensuring equal opportunities and creating a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their differences. Inclusive practice, on the other hand, refers to the active implementation of inclusion in all aspects of society, such as education, employment, and community services.

Why is Inclusive Practice Important?

Inclusive practice is deemed important because it ensures that all individuals, irrespective of their background or abilities, are provided with equal opportunities and access to education and support. By fostering inclusivity, barriers to learning and participation are minimized, thereby promoting diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging within educational settings.

How to Promote Inclusion in Early Years?

Inclusion in early years is promoted by creating a welcoming environment where all children feel accepted and valued. Activities and resources are adapted to meet diverse needs, ensuring equal access to learning and play opportunities, and fostering positive relationships among children and adults. Collaboration with families and professionals supports each child’s individual strengths and challenges.

How to Create an Inclusive Environment in Early Years?

An inclusive environment in early years is created by using diverse materials, celebrating different cultures and abilities, and making sure all children feel valued and respected. Accessibility features like ramps and sensory toys are included, and staff are trained in inclusive practices. Regular communication with families also helps support inclusivity.

What Does The Eyfs Say About Equality, Diversity and Inclusion?

The EYFS, established in 2010, mandates promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for all children regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics.

How Can Inclusive Practice Be Implemented in Health and Social Care?

Inclusive practice in health and social care can be implemented by ensuring accessibility to services, facilities, and information for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. This involves adapting communication methods, providing training to staff members, and offering support services tailored to diverse needs. Measures such as promoting cultural sensitivity, respecting individual autonomy, and fostering a welcoming environment are crucial for fostering inclusivity in this sector.

What are the Early Years’ Fundamental Principles of Inclusive Practice?

The fundamental principles of inclusive practice in the early years include:

Valuing all children and their families;
Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all children;
Encouraging positive relationships between children and adults;
Providing equal opportunities for all children to participate and learn;
Supporting children to reach their full potential;
Promoting equality and tackling discrimination.

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What is inclusive practice in early years?

What is Inclusive Practice?