Regarding the point that Louisa Leaman makes about inclusion meaning a commitment to every child entering a school’s gates, readers may be interested to know of a recent definition of inclusion which addresses exactly that point but widens its usual remit to encompass all children, whether they have special needs or not. The definition by the Early Childhood Forum (a coalition of nearly all the national membership organisations in the field of early years), states that : “Inclusion is a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down the barriers to participation and belonging.”

It pinpoints the need to address everything in which individuals and groups do not, or cannot, participate, or cannot belong to. The forum is currently working to embed this definition within its action plan.

Julie Fisher Chair, Early Childhood Forum 8 Wakley Street London EC1