Resources on gender
Getting Started: Celebrating difference and challenging gender stereotypes in the Early Years Foundation Stage
Guidance from Stonewall on why thinking about lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) inclusion is important and how this fits into educators’ existing practice and wider inclusion work
Unlimited potential: final report of the Commission on Gender Stereotypes in Early Childhood
Fawcett society report on gender expectations limiting children, causing lower self-esteem in girls and poorer reading skills in boys, and contributing to the mental health crisis; includes parents’ wanting change and practical solutions
Just like a child: respect gender equality in the early years
Practical advice and information for early years educators from Zero Tolerance, aimed at promoting gender equality to help protect children from the negative consequences of inequality and discrimination
Eight ways to challenge stereotypes in early years settings
Poster from Let Toys Be Toys on creating an environment which encourages children to think of themselves as individuals, rather than editing their choices through a gender filter
No Outsiders website includes lesson plans and assembly ideas, aimed at KS1 and KS2 but adaptable for early years
Gender Loops: Toolbox for gender-conscious and equitable early childhood centres
Tried and tested methods, projects and analytical tools supporting gender-conscious education and ongoing gender equity strategies in early childhood education centres
Gender equal play in early learning and childcare
From the Care Inspectorate and Zero Tolerance, a resource for educators and parents, explaining the importance of challenging gender stereotyping and providing ideas and examples of existing practice
The MITEY UK and Other Methods: How to Get More Men to Join the EYFS
Interview with Shaddai Tembo, sharing his insights into men in the EYFS, his passion for promoting more diversity and challenging gender stereotypes in the sector, and methods and ideas for encouraging more men to join the early years
Confident, capable and creative: supporting boys’ achievements
National Strategy document (DCSF 2007), organised around EYFS principles with case studies, challenges and dilemmas
Heteronormativity in early childhood: Promoting inclusive practice
Blog by Fifi Benham and Shaddai Tembo
Resources on race
Case study of a child and family failed by a setting which considered factors separately, with pointers toward the practice shift required
Case study of a child and family failed by a setting which considered factors separately, with pointers toward the practice shift required
It is important to be clear what we mean by certain words, since when we don’t share an understanding of these frustrations begin – here you can find a list of working definitions
Building Anti-Racist Foundations
A short video by Liz Pemberton In collaboration with Barnardo’s SEEN , to support educators on their anti-racist journey
Website supporting inclusive practice with young children and families, hosting a range of written material, webinars, videos and recordings
The Black Nursery Manager
A range of resources from Liz Pemberton including writing, talks, tools and reflections on early years anti-racist practice and systems change
Playing with Power: A guide for educators
supporting anti-racist and decolonial childhoods
Froebel Trust pamphlet by Simon Bateson and
Dr Shaddai Tembo
The Lunar New Year Early Years learning resource
Resource pack for children from 2 years-old to learn about this festival in a culturally-sensitive way
Resources on special educational needs
A Guide to Neurodiversity in the Early Years (Anna Freud)
Accessible guidance on neurodiversity-affirming practice, supporting children through strengths-led and responsive approaches
A Beginners Guide to Ableism (Tapestry)
Introduces ableism and its impact on disabled and neurodivergent people, encouraging reflective, anti-oppressive early years practice
Diverse Pathways for Early Childhood
A neurodiversity-affirming platform offering training, developmental insights, tools, and resources to support strengths-led, relational, non-pathologising approaches
A collective exploring anti-oppressive, relational, and socially just approaches to education, care, and community
Explores alternative understandings of child development, challenging fixed developmental norms and recognising diverse pathways of learning, communication, play, and becoming.
Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of Neurodivergent Children: A guide for parents
Parent guide exploring neurodivergent children’s strengths, differences, and support needs through compassionate approaches that promote understanding, and inclusive family support
Play Radical – Expanding understandings of neurodivergent play
An anti-bias, social justice-focused platform offering training, resources, and reflective tools that promote equity, inclusion, critical thinking, and child-centred play within early childhood education and care
Early Years Developmental Journey
A developmental resource supporting practitioners and families of children with significant learning and developmental needs through strengths-led observation, responsive planning, communication, relationships, and meaningful early development
A twice-monthly podcast exploring research, amplifying autistic voices, and changing the way we think about autism in life and in professional practice
Autism Level Up (International)
A neurodiversity-affirming educational framework by Dr Amy Laurent and Dr Jacquelyn Fede, promoting empowerment, strengths-based support, and practical strategies beyond compliance-focused approaches
Yellow Ladybugs (International)
An autistic-led charity supporting autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse young people through advocacy, community, education, and neuroaffirming resources for families and professionals
An Australian framework promoting trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, family-centred practice across early childhood, education, health, and community services to support children’s wellbeing and inclusion.
The WARMTH framework
Describes a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-led approach to education that values difference, prioritises belonging and wellbeing, and promotes inclusive, needs-led support without requiring children to mask or conform
Early years guidance, resources, and specialist support for children with vision impairment, promoting accessible, family-centred approaches to learning, play, communication, mobility, and development
National Deaf Children’s Society (Early Education)
Guidance, training, and practical resources to support deaf children’s communication, inclusion, language development, and accessible participation within early years settings
Wellbeing, deafness and me
A toolkit supporting deaf children’s emotional wellbeing, identity, communication, and inclusion through activities and guidance for early years practitioners and families
SENSE Disabled Charity
Provides specialist guidance, play-based support, and family-centred services for disabled children with complex needs
Stories with Symbols
Creates free, symbol-supported videos and storytelling resources designed to support children with speech, language, communication, and additional learning needs
A neurodiversity-informed platform founded by autistic educator Dr Joanna Grace, offering sensory stories, inclusive resources, training, and practical approaches supporting belonging, communication, sensory engagement, and participation
Autistic Realms
Explores neuro-affirming, relational approaches supporting children with profound and multiple learning disabilities through connection, communication, dignity, sensory attunement, and responsive, strengths-led practice
Autism Transitions
A collaboration between The University of Southampton and Aviary Nursery, Eastleigh, funded by the Froebel Trust, exploring autistic children’s experiences moving from preschool to primary school
Inclusion Development Programme: Supporting children on the autism spectrum
Guidance for practitioners in the Early Years Foundation Stage, from National Strategies
Provides neurodiversity-informed safety guidance for children and adults who continue mouthing objects beyond age three
A Celebratory Approach to SEND Assessment in the Early Years
Explores relational, strengths-led assessment that centres children’s capabilities, identities, interests, and meaningful participation
Black SEND Mamas
A Black-led organisation supporting Black families of neurodivergent and disabled children through culturally responsive advocacy, peer support, mental health services, community, and neurodiversity-affirming practice
I am digital stories
Creates inclusive, personalised digital stories and visual resources supporting communication, emotional wellbeing, identity, transitions, and accessibility for neurodivergent and disabled children, families, and professionals
Inclusive Physical Education
Adaptable physical activity cards supporting inclusive, accessible movement and play for disabled children and young people across education, sport, and community settings
Anti-Bias Leaders in ECE
A documentary and professional learning resource exploring anti-bias early childhood practice through teacher reflection, equity-focused pedagogy, identity, diversity, justice, and inclusive classroom relationships
The Brain Charity
UK charity supporting people with neurological conditions, neurodivergence, and brain injuries through advocacy, wellbeing services, education, counselling, social connection, and practical, person-centred support
Action Cerebral Palsy
UK organisation promoting lived-experience-led, rights-based support for people with cerebral palsy through advocacy, community, accessibility, inclusion, and disability justice-informed resources and campaigns
Has a huge range of resources to support parents and practitioners, as well as signposts to other organisations
Speech and Language UK
Free downloads providing information and advice to support any speech, language and communication needs; includes guidance written by speech and language therapists about what to look for
An online portal developed by Nasen offering educators free, easy access to high quality information, resources and training for meeting the needs of children with SEND
Neuroinclusive Education Network (NEN)
Resources as part of their modular training programme for professionals in all early years settings — includes an autism progression framework linked to the EYFS and a set of standards to enable settings to evaluate their own provision
This checklist provides practical strategies to address sensory sensitivities, promote flexible learning, and foster a sense of belonging
Makaton
Resources in the Makaton Library – create a free account to access free downloads
The Downs Syndrome Association
Information about children with Downs syndrome for practitioners in early years settings, as well as signposting to help with Education Health and Care Plans and legal issues
A collaboration between The University of Southampton and Aviary Nursery, Eastleigh, funded by the Froebel Trust, exploring autistic children’s experiences moving from preschool to primary school
A collaboration between The University of Southampton and Aviary Nursery, Eastleigh, funded by the Froebel Trust, exploring autistic children’s experiences moving from preschool to primary school
The Downs Syndrome Association
Information about children with Downs syndrome for practitioners in early years settings, as well as signposting to help with Education Health and Care Plans and legal issues
Local Offer websites
Look out for resources on your Local Offer website, where you should be able to find information to support parents but also services and resources for all educators and SENCOs. Many websites enable you to navigate to a lot of local resources in one place, such as Bristol City Council: Differentiated Early Years Outcomes, a resource developed to allow practitioners to show progress within EYFS for children who have additional needs and disabilities.