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Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Young Children

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About Course

This CPD certified course is designed to support early years practitioners and support staff in creating inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued, safe, and supported. The course explores the principles of inclusion, children’s rights, and relevant legislation, including the UNCRC and the Equality Act, and how these inform everyday practice in early childhood settings.

Learners will develop practical skills to identify and remove barriers to inclusion, support diverse needs including SEND and EAL, and promote positive behaviour through inclusive, child centred approaches. The course also emphasises the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers and engaging in reflective practice to continuously improve professional confidence and effectiveness.

By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to foster welcoming, engaging environments that promote equality, wellbeing, and positive outcomes for all children.

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What Will You Learn?

  • Define inclusion and understand its principles in early years settings
  • Recognise and address barriers to learning for children with SEND and EAL
  • Apply practical strategies to create inclusive classroom layouts and routines
  • Foster positive behaviour using trauma-informed and child-centred approaches
  • Build strong partnerships with parents and carers from diverse backgrounds
  • Reflect on personal biases and embed inclusive values in daily practice
  • Develop an Inclusive Action Plan tailored to your own setting

Course Content

Module 1 – Understanding Inclusion in Early Childhood Education
This module introduces the concept of inclusion in early years settings, exploring its definitions and guiding principles. Learners will examine the rights of the child, as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Equality Act, and understand how these frameworks shape inclusive practice. The module also highlights the benefits of inclusive environments—not only for children with additional needs but for all learners—fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and equal opportunities for growth and achievement.

  • Lesson 1.1 – Definitions and Principles of Inclusion
    01:54
  • Lesson 1.2 – Rights of the Child – UNCRC & Equality Act
    02:03
  • Lesson 1.3 – Benefits of Inclusive Environments
    00:00
  • Understanding Inclusion in Early Childhood Education

Module 2: Recognising Barriers to Inclusion
Barriers to inclusion can arise from a range of factors, including developmental delays, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), language differences, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic challenges. These can limit a child’s ability to participate fully and access learning opportunities. In addition, implicit bias and stereotypes—often unintentional—can influence expectations and interactions. Recognising these barriers is the first step toward removing them and ensuring every child can thrive in an equitable learning environment.

Module 3: Practical Strategies for Inclusion
This module focuses on creating environments and activities where every child can participate fully. It covers designing inclusive classrooms that consider layout, accessibility, and sensory needs; using differentiation and adaptive resources to match learning to individual strengths; and choosing stories, songs, and visual materials that reflect diversity and promote belonging. Together, these strategies help remove barriers and ensure all children feel seen, valued, and supported.

Module 4: Supporting Positive Behaviour
This module explores how behaviour reflects a child’s needs, emotions, and experiences, rather than simply being “good” or “bad.” It introduces trauma-informed approaches that respond with empathy and understanding, recognising the impact of past experiences on current behaviour. Participants also learn strategies to create emotionally safe spaces where children feel secure, respected, and able to regulate their emotions—laying the foundation for positive interactions and effective learning.

Module 5 – Partnership with Parents and Carers
Building trust and mutual respectEngaging diverse familiesEffective communication strategies

Module 6 – Reflective Practice and Professional Growth
Identifying bias and assumptionsUsing an inclusive self-audit toolPlanning for continuous improvement

Final Assessment – Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Young Children
Thank you for completing the Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Young Children course. You have explored the principles of inclusion, identified barriers, learned practical strategies for adapting environments and teaching, and developed skills for supporting positive behaviour, engaging families, and reflecting on your own practice.Your commitment to equity, diversity, and respect will make a lasting difference in the lives of the children you support. By applying what you’ve learned, you are helping to create spaces where every child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.Once you have completed the final assessment with a score of 70% or higher, you will achieve your IIFAL CPD Certificate—a recognition of your dedication to inclusive early years education.We truly value your experience with this course. Once your course is completed, please take a moment to leave positive feedback—your support helps us continue providing quality training for educators like you.Thank you for your commitment to making education accessible and inclusive for all.

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