Nursery World - A Unique Child: A-Z of inclusive practice

Mary Dickins is an early years consultant (All Together Consultancy/London Met. University)

"Inclusion is a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging"

Early Childhood Forum (2003)

Legislation should underpin any useful change within a society, but it can seem unsympathetic and remote from the real experiences of children, families and practitioners. However, current legislation should be seen in a historical context as part of a slow process of change for the better.

In the past, many disabled children were considered unable to be educated. For years we either segregated them in special hospitals and institutions, or left them in the community with little in the way of support or services.

Until the Children Act 1989 was introduced, disabled children were not included in the wider framework of legal powers, duties and protections, which related to all children. The Act stated that every local authority should provide services within their area so as to minimise the effect of their disability and help them to lead independent lives.

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