INCLUSION POLICY

RATIONALE
To include children with special needs in the daily programme and to ensure that there are
equal opportunities for care and education for each child attending angelCare.

PURPOSE
All children are entitled to pre-school care and education, regardless of their abilities, age,
gender, ethnicity, background or religion.

GUIDELINES / PROCEDURES
* All children regardless of their abilities, age, gender, ethnicity, background or religion will
be encouraged and included in the programme and all activities.

* angelCare preSchool teachers will at all times be aware of any special needs of the children
in the preschool. This will be accomplished by maintaining open lines of communication
between teacher and parents.

* The programme will take into account of any special needs of the children attending the
preschool. Guidance will be obtained from relevant agencies as to the special needs of the
child./ren.

* Any information (e.g. An Individual Development Plan) will be kept beside the enrolment
form of each child with special needs. This information will be available to involved teachers
and parents only and be strictly confidential.

* On-going contact with the appropriate services and agencies of special needs children will
ensure that correct information is available and requirements are met.

* The Individual Development Plan as given by the special needs agencies will be followed and
assessed on an on-going basis. Where appropriate, a teachers member will attend meetings
to help prepare I.D.P’s.

* All teachers will be made aware of the special needs of each child and will ensure that the
children are encouraged to join in all activities in the programme.
* Children attending the preschool will be introduced to any child/ren with special needs,
emphasising the positive aspect of their different abilities.

* The policy for transition of school age children to school will be adhered concerning a child
with special needs, in consultation with the parents and appropriate agencies.

* Teachers will be aware of not stereotyping children.

* Teachers will use inclusive language at all times.

* Teachers will plan the programme to meet the needs of individual children.

* Teachers will respect parents and their children’s religious beliefs.

REVIEWED: NOVEMBER 2008

NEXT REVIEW DATE: NOVEMBER 2010