We have learnt more than expected in ISOTIS! We discovered new aspects of the complex problem of social inequality and exclusion, and we found new promising starting points for improving practice and policy.

Here are some of our breakthroughs:

• We clarified the mechanisms of early emerging educational inequality and showed the important role of inclusive early childhood education and care to prevent inequality.

• The children surprised us. They did not define their identity along the lines of cultural or ethnic background, but instead expressed their identity as belongingness to the social-physical spaces of the preschool and school where all children and their families in the neighbourhood regardless their backgrounds are welcomed.

• Children surprised us also by their agency driving the implementation of the ISOTIS multicultural and multilingual virtual learning environment and other innovative intercultural practices at the classroom and school level.

• Parents engaged with us by demonstrating their high aspirations for their children’s education and upward social mobility, and by their efforts to provide stimulating home environments.

• Parents also clearly expressed their need for culturally inclusive safe spaces in their neighborhoods, where heritage cultures and languages are respected and regarded as resources.

• Professionals in education and care play a key role in connecting children and families to society. Professionals provide a protective buffer against socioeconomic adversity, discrimination and exclusion. Providing culturally inclusive classrooms and safe schools is essential for this.

• Professionals develop their intercultural competences best by enactment and reflection in the context of diversity, in interaction with children and through engaging in partnerships with parents. Digital tools, such as the ISOTIS virtual learning environment, can help to overcome communication barriers.

• Inter-agency networks and non-hierarchical network governance at the local level, with involvement of value-driven non-governmental organizations, are essential to reach-out to families, to provide the support to families they need, to strengthen the home learning environments and to include them in early education and care provision.