The quiddity of inclusion

This interpretative hermeneutic phenomenological (IHP) study focuses on the lived experiences of early years educators engaged in the Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) programme a continuing professional development (CPD) programme aimed at developing knowledge practices and values relating to inclusive practice. The primary aim of this study was to examine educators’ perceptions of inclusion of children and consider the influence of the LINC programme on their pedagogical practice. The research strategy involved initial interviews with fourteen early years educators identifying experiences and understanding of inclusion prior to commencement of the LINC programme. On completion participants hosted a field visit to their individual preschools and engaged in a second follow-up interview. In addition conversations with children and observation of pedagogical practice was conducted during these visits to understand the life-world of the educators in practice. Using the philosophical principles of IHP this study illustrates the value of practitioner research in coming to understand and interpret educators’ experiences through an empathic lens.