Inclusion Policy
Ducklings are committed to help provide equality of opportunity for all children and families and take positive action to eliminate discrimination in all areas of their work. We work in accordance with all relevant legislation, including
· Disability Discrimination Act 2005
· Race Relations Act 1976
· Sex Discrimination Act 1986
· Children Act 2004
· Every Child Matters
· Early Years Foundation Stage
We believe that the group’s activities should be open to all children, families and all adults committed to their learning and development. We see inclusivity as a constantly evolving process, a ‘journey’ not a ‘destination’. We are committed to this concept of inclusion and recognise that truly inclusive settings are those “in which the teaching and learning achievements of every young person matter”. (As identified in The Special Needs (provision of Information by Local Authorities) (England) Regulations 2001)
Principles
It is our policy that all children at Ducklings:
· Have the right to be listened to and to be treated with respect
· Have the right to feel a pride in their learning
· Have the right to feel safe and secure in a respectful social environment and in a safe physical environment
· Share the responsibility to care for the well being and learning opportunities of each other
· Are supported towards achieving a common set of learning goals
We understand and respect that children:
· Have the right to contribute their ideas to the curriculum and to the culture of the setting
· Have an entitlement to personal, social and intellectual development and must be given an opportunity to achieve his/her potential in learning.
· Are unique in terms of characteristics, interests, abilities, motivation and learning needs.
· Can access educational systems should are designed to take into account of these wide diversities.
· With exceptional learning needs and/or disabilities should have access to high quality and appropriate education.
The curriculum
All children will be respected and their individuality and potential recognized, valued and nurtured. Activities and resources will offer children opportunities to develop in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination, whilst aiming to reduce barriers for all children, not only those seen as having special educational needs. Our resources will ensure that both girls and boys have full access to all kinds of activities and equipment and are equally encouraged to enjoy and learn from them. Appropriate opportunities will be given to children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others.
At Ducklings we recognise that children have a wide range of needs which differ from time to time, and will consider what part we can play in meeting those needs as they arrive, this policy will be reviewed at this time. We will discuss any additional needs with parents and when required external agencies. Refer to SEN policy.
