Supporting all children: moving towards inclusion in the early years

This chapter provides a review of recent developments in special needs in the early years. A number of concepts, principles and values are examined which are put into the context of special needs legislation and policy evolution, and a number of issues explored. In this chapter we acknowledge and celebrate achievements in special needs/early years, commensurate with early years issues becoming higher on the education agenda. So a number of notable developments will be chronicled. At the same time we want to demonstrate a broad responsibility on the part of all early years practitioners towards the distinctive learning and developmental needs of all children, in creating opportunities for them to flourish