Abstract:

This study examines inclusive leadership as a key organisational mechanism influencing the implementation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in UK early years’ settings. Rising SEND prevalence, resource constraints, workforce shortages, and increasing policy demands have created significant organisational and leadership challenges. While national policies promote inclusion, implementation remains uneven across settings. This paper proposes a conceptual framework integrating inclusive leadership, institutional theory, ecological systems theory, and sociocultural perspectives to explain how leadership shapes organisational culture, staff capability, and developmental outcomes. A mixed-methods design combining analysis of national SEND data, interviews, and case studies is proposed to explore leadership practices and organisational implementation. The study contributes to leadership research by extending inclusive leadership theory into early years’ education and explaining its role in translating policy into practice. It aligns with the conference theme of thriving together by highlighting leadership’s role in fostering inclusive organisational environments that support participation, equity, and effective SEND provision.

Please choose your submission type: Developmental Paper

Primary Track: Leadership and Leadership Development

Keywords: Leadership in education;Leadership skills and development;Strategic leadership;Emerging leadership theories

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Ms. Sunina Kiran

Biography