Focus on early years

21 November 2025

Strengthening inclusive practice in early years and the starting strong workshops.

Strengthening inclusive practice in early years: why professional conversations matter

Creating strong, inclusive early years provision is key to giving every child the best start. Inclusive practice isn’t just about meeting statutory requirements - it’s about building environments where all children feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

Schools offering a nursery provision have a unique opportunity to shape inclusive practice early on. Every registered early years provider in Kent, including those within a mainstream school, has an allocated Early Years Quality Advisor, provided by The Education People’s Early Years and Childcare Service. By engaging with your allocated Early Years Quality Advisor, you can:

  • Reflect on current practice and identify areas for development.
  • Access expert guidance tailored to your setting.
  • Explore practical strategies for supporting children with SEND and diverse needs.

These professional conversations are collaborative discussions that help you strengthen provision and share best practice. If you have not yet taken advantage of a professional conversation with your allocated advisor, get in touch by emailing eycquality@theeducationpeople.org.

Join the starting strong workshops

Starting strong for early years children in Kent is a guidance document designed to support all early years providers in developing their Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP). Ordinarily Available Provision refers to the support and resources that mainstream early years providers are expected to offer to all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Following the publication of starting strong, we are pleased to be offering a series of funded workshops to all early years providers in Kent. Discover how this resource can be used as a practical tool to evaluate and embed high-quality, inclusive provision in your setting. The session will offer clear guidance, real-life examples and actionable strategies to help you confidently apply starting strong in everyday practice.

Please use the links below to book your preferred session - there is no limit to the number of people per group setting who can attend.

Whether you’re looking to refine your approach or embed inclusive principles across your nursery, these sessions are a great way to learn more. Together, we can ensure every child gets the strong start they deserve.