Inclusive Practice in the Early Years
Inclusive practice is at the heart of high-quality early years provision. As providers, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that every child—regardless of ability, background, culture, or circumstance—can access meaningful learning opportunities and feel a sense of belonging. This means creating environments that celebrate diversity, remove barriers to participation, and respond to individual needs through flexible, child-centred approaches.
Working in partnership with families, local authorities, and other professionals, we strive to uphold equality and inclusion as core principles. By embedding these values into everyday practice, we not only meet statutory requirements but also promote positive outcomes for all children, laying the foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing.
Further support and guidance can be found at:
- Coventry SEND Early Years Team
- DfE Help for Early Years Providers – Meeting the needs of all children
- DfE SEND assessment guidance and resources
- Childcare Works – Dingley’s Promise: Fostering Meaningful Inclusion in Early Years Settings
- Coventry Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS) – Includes a section on best practice in the EYFS, support strategies and a home language background form
- DfE Help for Early Years Providers – English as an additional language
- DfE Help for Early Years Providers – Diverse World
- Birth to Five Matters – Inclusive practice and equalities