Book review: Diversity for all – inclusive practice in early years child development

Visiting professor Richard Willis has reviewed a significant new publication that expands professional understanding of child development through the lens of diversity and inclusion. The book, which places inclusive practice at its core, challenges early years educators to rethink how they support children's play and learning across different backgrounds and abilities. The review highlights how the text moves beyond surface-level diversity to address the structural and practical changes needed in early years settings. By examining child development theories alongside inclusive pedagogies, the book provides a framework for ensuring that nursery provision and Early Years Foundation Stage practice genuinely meet the needs of every child. For Wiltshire Council cabinet members with responsibility for early years services, this analysis underscores the importance of embedding inclusion into the foundational stages of education. It reinforces why diverse representation and inclusive practice in child development are essential to giving all children in Wiltshire the best start in life, particularly as we expand family hubs and early years provision across the county.