'Inclusion is a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging' - Early Childhood Forum (2003)
A is for Attitude. Negative attitudes, prejudice and misinformation are still the biggest barrier to the inclusion of disabled children in our society, despite great strides in recent years in both legislative and practical terms. Early years settings do not exist in a vacuum. They are microcosms that reflect and absorb the views and influences of their local communities and wider society. As a society we need to identify, examine and understand the historical, political and environmental influences that determine current attitudes towards disability and other forms of difference.
In order to develop and extend inclusive practice, managers and practitioners need to consider how these issues may be impacting on the accessibility and quality of their service, especially in terms of the experience of on children and families. Access to appropriate training and support, opportunities for honest personal and professional reflection and the celebration and sharing of positive practice will all help to underpin the process towards successful inclusion and the changing of attitudes.
A also stands for anti-discriminatory practice.
Young children's antennae readily tune in to both overt and subtle messages about who is considered better than whom and who is valued in society, at a time when they are developing their overall sense of identity and self- worth.
Anti-discriminatory practice means that we must all commit ourselves to 'unlearning' our prejudices and promoting positive values for families, communities and staff.
The EYFS framework and principles can be used as a basis on which to support the development of positive attitudes and anti-discriminatory practice in settings. EYFS can help managers and practitioners to work in partnership with families and children and to develop principles, policy and practice that will challenge and inspire. The implementation of EYFS provides an important opportunity for teams to identify and confront some difficult issues and to prioritise the way forward for their individual settings.
Key websites for information, advice, books and resources that will bring you up to date with current issues and debates are: