Inclusion Policy

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre

Inclusion Policy

Policy

Activity promotes inclusive practice to best meet the needs of the children, families and staff of our centre. All children are welcome to attend Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre regardless of ability, need, background, culture, religion, gender or economic circumstances. Through inclusive practice, we aim to reflect our wider community and promote positive attitudes to both the similarities and differences in each other. In order to achieve this, we actively engage with children, parents, and other organisations as appropriate.

Procedure

  1. All children will be admitted by following the Admission Policy and Procedure.

  2. An induction process is carried out for all families and children new to the service. This involves registration, information sharing about both the child, the centre, and the discussion of Policy and Procedure of the centre.

  3. Because the needs of each family and child can vary, Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre will respond to individual needs where possible, for example, period of induction, times of attending the centre.

  4. While attending, the Key Person will regularly engage with parents to facilitate information sharing and ensure parents are involved in planning for their child’s learning and development.

  5. Information sharing between Early Years Teachers and parents ensures a partnership approach which happens in the form of daily communications as well as scheduled meetings as required.

  6. Parents and children are encouraged to contribute to various aspects of Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre for example providing information or resources illustrating aspects of their lives, culture or community.

  7. Early Years Teachers will become aware of the possibility of different languages being spoken at children’s homes and possible literacy difficulties with adults.

  8. Signs will be placed around the building directing families and visitors to rooms. These signs will be in the different known languages of the families and if possible, symbols/pictures will be used as well.

  9. Key documents and paperwork, when possible, will be provided in native language to parents in order to help communicate.

  10. If it is not possible for certain documents to be translated into the family’s native language, meetings will be held with the manager and families to discuss the documents. If necessary, some form of an interpreter may be used, whether it is a person or a computer program.

  11. Parent meetings and AGM’s will be held to discuss key issues and policies.

  12. Early Years Teachers will endeavour to learn some key phrases in the child’s language.

  13. Early Years Teachers will communicate with parents and ascertain the key words.

  14. Early Years Teachers will encourage parents to become involved in Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre and communicate to staff about their culture and country of origin.

  15. If a parent has concerns about a child’s transition, a meeting can be held with all relevant parties to discuss and concerns or issues that the parent may have with their child’s attendance in the centre.

  16. Follow up meetings will take place as often as necessary to ensure that all of the child’s needs are being met.

  17. Any concerns will be discussed during meetings, formal and informal with parents.

  18. The curriculum, activities, books, materials and environment are used to reflect the diversity of all children, families, and the wider community. Where possible, these will be adapted as necessary to facilitate the inclusion of all children within the daily routine and activities of the service.

  19. Early Years Teachers actively discourage stereotyping of gender, culture, background, or ability by facilitating non-stereotypical play, and through the use of non-stereotypical resources and images.

  20. The inclusion policy forms an important aspect of the recruitment of Early Years Teachers within the service. Applicants will not be excluded from being considered for a position based specifically on their need, background, culture, religion, gender or economic circumstances, pertaining to the Equality Act 2004. Positions will be offered based on competency, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the position. See Staff Recruitment Policy.

  21. Upon commencement of employment, all staff will be given a period of induction to the service. All staff will be made aware of inclusive practice within our service and its importance.

  22. When possible, Early Years Teachers will attend training pertaining to inclusion, for example, behaviour management, equality and diversity, language development or special needs.

Updated 12 September 2018