In 2023/24, YMCA Fairthorne Group embedded the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) across nine early years settings in Hampshire, transforming how they support young children with special educational needs (SEN) and redefining what inclusive early years education can be.
This pioneering project reached over 1,360 children, delivering an incredible 880,816 hours of childcare and education in settings rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Now, it’s in the running for the Youth Matters Awards 2025 in the Family & Youth Work Project of the Year category and your vote can help us win.
What Is the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP)?
The Inclusive Classroom Profile is an evidence-based framework designed to enhance inclusion in early years education. By focusing on classroom environments, staff–child interactions and targeted teaching strategies, the ICP ensures that every child, regardless of background or ability, can thrive.
A Whole-Team Approach to Inclusion
In this project, every SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) became a coach for inclusion. Through structured audits and a Community of Practice model, nursery staff reflected deeply on their provision, adapted their environments and applied evidence based strategies in daily practice.
This shifted inclusion from being a specialist task to a whole-team ethos, where each keyworker had the skills and confidence to meet every child’s developmental needs.
Supporting Children and Families
We provided families with practical tools to extend inclusive learning at home, ensuring children received consistent support in every part of their lives. This approach strengthened community ties and empowered parents to be active partners in their child’s development.
Expert Guidance and National Credibility
The programme was guided by the research-based ICP framework and included training from Dr Elena Soukakou, the tool’s creator, lending national credibility and rigour.
Measurable Outcomes
The project measured improvements in:
- Teaching quality
- Physical environment
- Speech and language development
- Early identification of needs
Audits showed measurable progress across all nine settings, with timely and meaningful interventions that changed lives. The final evaluation will guide a wider roll-out across YMCA’s network.
Why This Project Stands Out
The YMCA Fairthorne ICP project is:
Ambitious in reach, impacting over 1,360 children in just one year.
Sustainable, embedding change into everyday practice.
Evidence-based, backed by national research and measurable results.
Replicable, offering a model that other children’s charities and early years providers can adopt.
This work addresses workforce challenges, strengthens communities, and ensures that no child is left behind.
Vote for YMCA Fairthorne Group
For its ambitious reach, proven impact, and lasting legacy in early years inclusion, the YMCA Fairthorne Group’s ICP project is a deserving finalist for the Family & Youth Work Project of the Year Award.
Your vote can help bring this recognition home and inspire more inclusive classrooms nationwide.
