Working with disabled children, young people and their families

Useful Resources

Play Together: A Design Manifesto
Disabled children are often denied the freedom of outdoor play due to a range of social and environmental barriers. In 2009, a consultation with over 4000 children and young people by the Dudley play pathfinder team revealed that disabled children are disproportionately susceptible to bullying, and therefore least likely to use outdoor play spaces. In response to these findings, MADE (the Midlands Architecture Centre), along with the Dudley play pathfinders, drew up a design manifesto with recommendations to encourage disabled children to enjoy outdoor play spaces. The ‘Play Together’ manifesto was endorsed by KIDS and Play England.

Literature review
This literature review provides an initial overview of existing literature and research around inclusive play and childcare. This overview identifies some of the key themes found from existing literature, alongside some of the gaps and potential opportunities for future research.

Including All of Us poster (NEW in 2011) - a colourful A2 poster featuring the 10 key features of inclusive settings and services, alongside positive imagery of disabled children. £1 per copy plus p&p. If you would like to order this please email: publications@kids.org.uk

Requirements for inclusion form - KIDS has developed this example of a form, which can be used to collect information about children attending play, youth, leisure or childcare settings. Many forms used in services and settings are unhelpfully focused on children's impairments and things that they can't do. This form however allows staff to understand each child's individual requirements and about how to include them effectively into their setting or service.

Choosing our words - Working within the Social Model of Disability, this guide outlines appropriate terminology when discussing issues around disablism.

Legislation, policy and guidance relating to inclusive play and childcare  - Divided into three sections, this document outlines policy, legislation and useful resources relevant to practitioners and managers working in the area of inclusive play and childcare.

Useful publications and resources on inclusive play - A comprehensive collection of publications, websites, and DVDs around children's rights and participation, play, playwork training & quality assurance, risk in play/health and safety, play policy & strategy, access & design issues and other policy documents. Useful resources v3

Play Day Guidance - How can disabled children and young people be included? - This guidance from the Playwork Inclusion Project is aimed at all those who are organising Play Day events and want to ensure that their events are welcoming, accessible and inclusive. It includes a checklist of practical recommendations and links to useful resources.

Positive Behaviour Management Policy - This KIDS policy will demonstrate how to positively respond to challenging behaviour.

Safeguarding Policy - This guide will tell you more about Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures at KIDS. All children and young people we work with must at all times feel safe. It is all our responsibility to safeguard and promote their welfare at all times. 

Glossary A glossary of terms commonly used in relation to disabled children and young people. If there is a term you would like to see included, please email ndd@kids.org.uk

Personalisation resources
A list of useful resources relating to personalisation and personal budgets .

Publications and Briefings An index of KIDS’ publications around the subject of inclusive childcare, play and leisure.

Model Documents Presentations, tools and resources which KIDS has created and used to support the development of inclusive practice within play, leisure and childcare services. These resources are intended to be used as flexible support materials which can be utilised and adapted to meet a specific need.

Frequently Asked Questions A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to KIDS from those developing and running play and childcare services regarding the inclusion of disabled children and young people.