Opportunities and challenges associated with inclusive play in the early years
Learning outcomes
In this module you will be assessed against two learning outcomes:
1. Apply theoretical and professional concepts of the early years curriculum to a range of inclusive provision
2. Illustrate understanding of the connections between early intervention, development and learning opportunities
SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENT (100%)
In this module you will have opportunity to choose one from the following assessment tasks:
Option 1: Essay (2000 words)
Title: Opportunities and challenges associated with inclusive play in the early years
Title: Opportunities and challenges associated with inclusive play in the early years
For a high-quality essay you need to integrate ideas from the literature (including journal articles), current national policy directives and the EYFS curriculum framework, as well as illustrate your points with relevant, explicit practical examples. In your essay you discuss, integrate and reflect on views and ideas, rather than describe them.
In the essay it is expected you demonstrate understanding of:
• The current policy-to-practice context for enhancing development and learning of young children
• The notion and process of inclusion in early years practice
• The imperative role of play for enhancing young children’s development and learning, and some issues associated with play activities of those with developmental difficulties
• Opportunities and challenges currently identified in meeting the needs of children with SEND through play activities.
Suggested areas for consideration:
1) Introduction
2) Discussion of inclusion in the early years and inclusive early years practice as seen in the literature and in national directives (you can highlight achievements and challenges)
3) Role of play in enhancing children’s development in general
4) Using play to enrich the experience and learning of those with SEND in particular
5) Challenges which EY practitioners may experience in providing inclusive early years activities (play) – justify their pertinence to children’s development and learning
6) Discussion of strategies which may be used to overcome these difficulties (You may address point 5 and 6 sequentially or use an integrated approach)
7) Conclusion.
Points to consider:
• Use reading to inform your thinking, rather than establishing a point then finding a reference
• Design your study, plan its structure and connect the different sections
• Use paragraphs
• Write in third person, avoid using ‘I’ – even in the Introduction
• Limit use of direct quotations – instead summarize and explain viewpoints and perspectives
• Make sure that referencing is consistent and accurate; use the Harvard referencing guidance
• Address issues from more than one perspective or point of view; highlight similarities and contrasts in these views
• Ensure that your study has coherence and flow
• Proof read your work
• Make sure your reference list is consistent with sources used in the text
• Check and indicate word count
• Do not put your name on the assignment – Instead use your student number.
Use tutorial support to finalize assignment, book your individual tutorial for Week 12.
