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

By Mary Dickins, 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)

All settings and schools have a duty to promote health under government strategy 'Healthy lives, brighter futures'; children with complex health needs are often excluded from access to mainstream schools and settings.

While there is no agreed definition of complex health needs, this category would normally include babies and children who have needs in one or more developmental area.

They might also:

- have continuing health needs, frequent illnesses, home nursing needs, etc

- be dependent on technological support (such as oxygen or assisted feeding), and

- have an uncertain or short life expectancy.

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