At YMCA Fairthorne Group, inclusivity is at the heart of how we support children and families. For children with special educational needs (SEN), everyday environments can sometimes feel overwhelming. Bright lights, loud noises, or large group settings can lead to stress and overstimulation.
In 2023/24, we embedded the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) across all seven early years settings in Hampshire, transforming how children with SEN are supported. This pioneering project reached over 1,360 children, delivering 880,816 hours of childcare and education in Ofsted rated Good or Outstanding settings.
Building on this commitment, we are proud to share a new chapter in our inclusion journey: the YMCA Whale Island Nursery sensory room, made possible through a generous £3,000 Capital Inclusion Grant from Portsmouth City Council.
Why sensory spaces matter
A sensory room offers an alternative environment; a calm, predictable and nurturing space where children can regulate their emotions, explore safely and build confidence.
Research consistently shows that sensory play supports:
- Emotional regulation and reduced anxiety
- Development of fine and gross motor skills
- Stronger focus and attention in learning
- Improved social interaction when introduced in small groups
The YMCA Whale Island Nursery sensory room was created with these outcomes in mind.
Inside the YMCA Whale Island Nursery sensory room
The new space is designed to be both calming and engaging. Children are welcomed by soft furnishings, glowing bubble tubes and sparkling sequin cushions. Light up features and interactive wall panels invite exploration without overwhelming the senses.
The room is versatile:
- Individual use gives children a retreat where they can reset and relax.
- Small group sessions allow peer interaction in a safe, low stimulation environment.
- One to one interventions provide staff with the perfect setting for targeted SEN support.
From glowing balls that shift colours to tactile “pop it” toys and wooden bead frames, the resources inside the room are purposeful. They encourage problem solving, develop motor skills and promote self-confidence through play.
One team member explained the difference clearly:
“Having a sensory room has enabled children who cope better in smaller groups to participate in an environment more suited to their needs and achieve more in an activity. The space is perfect for small groups and 1-1 interventions and we are very grateful to Portsmouth City Council for funding the new space.”
A step towards stronger inclusion
The YMCA Whale Island Nursery sensory room is more than a room. It is a signal of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, equality and opportunity for all children. By working closely with Portsmouth City Council, we have created a space where every child, regardless of ability, can feel supported, welcomed and celebrated.
This work reflects our broader ambition. With ICP shaping everyday practice and projects like the sensory room setting new standards, YMCA Fairthorne Group is redefining what inclusive early years education looks like in Hampshire.
Looking ahead
Our inclusion journey continues, and we are proud that the ICP project is now a finalist in the Youth Matters Awards 2025, Family & Youth Work Project of the Year category. Recognition is important, but what matters most is the real difference being made for children and families every day.
The YMCA Whale Island Nursery sensory room is proof that with the right support, inclusion is not just possible, it is transformative.
