Outcomes from DESSA's Childcare Inclusion Programme (2006-2007)

Research

The CIP team completed a Profile of Inclusion involving over 120 services,to document the level of inclusion of disabled children in childcare and play settings. Research was compiled by means of a questionnaire, focus groups and interviews. Full copies of the Profile are available on request

Consultation

On Saturday 16th September, a consultation day ‘Valuing Your Voice’ was facilitated, where providers and families were invited to come along to, to discuss their experiences of inclusion and disability with our inclusive play trainers - Playworks.uk and Alison John Associates.

The focus of the morning session was to gather information from childcare provider about their experiences, thoughts, attitudes and opinions around inclusion and disabled children. The Trainers used a variety of interactive and inclusive play games with the group to explore challenging issues, such as barriers to inclusion and ways of overcoming these barriers, to include greater numbers of disabled children in settings.

The trainers introduce concepts of inclusion using interactive gamesParticipating in creative and inclusive games and activities that could be enjoyed by all children in childcare settingsThe participants break up into smaller group's to discuss barriers to inclusionThe group work together to identify ways to overcome barriers to inclusion in childcare settingsDi and the group discuss barriers to inclusion that could be present in their own settings


Parents and children participating in workshops at the conference

In the Afternoon Session, families who have experienced disability were invited to come and share their experiences around inclusion. Parents, disabled children and siblings made the afternoon a truly inclusive event. Through facilitated workshops, games and activities, the trainers and parents discussed issues surrounding disability. Using creative games and art the trainers worked with the children, encouraging them to think about 'what's great about play?'. The afternoon was closed with a procession by the children, showcasing their creations and designs, cheered on by parents, trainers and the CIP team.


Children making wonderful creations at the conferenceChildren taking part in fun activities at the conferenceParents and children participating in workshops at the conferenceChildren at the conference taking on a creative task together

Training for Practitioners

Over sixty practitioners accessed four days of training through DESSA's Childcare Inclusion Programme

Play2gether – Inclusive Play training

Play2gether was a one day interactive introduction to inclusive play training designed to introduce the underpinning principles of Inclusive Play through games and activities.

Objectives of Introductory Day

  • Reflect on attitude towards disability
  • Examined the meaning of inclusive play
  • Developed their understanding of the playwork principals
  • Learnt a range of new games and how to adapt them
  • Demonstrated how to create inclusive activities for a variety of play settings

Everyone Can Play

After completing Everyone Can Play, participants had explored: Inclusion of Disabled Children in local play and childcare settings; The importance of policy-making to promote inclusion; How to take key points from each session and share them with your co-workers to support inclusion in your setting; The importance of consulting with children.

'Why Inclusion?' Seminar

Thirty managers attended a one day seminar for managers and members of management committees to reflect on the policies and practices around including disabled children in their services.

Some Participant Feedback

‘I found the course to be an eye opener and have changed the way I look at ‘disabled’ children and adults. I didn’t think before about how people were treated or the barriers they had to face.’

‘I really enjoyed it. I would love to have workshops available regularly for members of staff, to allow them to learn as much’.