Inclusion Support Early Years Funding (ISEY) - A Childminder’s Perspective
Marvadha Foolchand - Childminder, Woodway Kids Childcare
Inclusion Support in Early Years (ISEY) is Birmingham’s early years inclusion funding to support early years providers in Birmingham to meet the needs of children with SEND.
My experience applying for ISEY funding
As a childminder, last year I applied for ISEY funding. Being new to the process, I received wonderful support and guidance from the Early Years Education team.
They assisted me through the ISEY application process, ensuring that I could access the necessary funding without having to disrupt my childcare setting. This was a positive experience because the ISEY application was completed online, which made the process quick and easy.
How I used ISEY to make adaptations to the environment
The funding was used to buy educational resources and participate in relevant training courses, giving me the necessary tools to create an environment that allows the child to access, participate, and improve outcomes by the end of the EYFS.
Upon receiving ISEY funding, I applied several changes in the setting, which included:
Indoor Play Area with tent - Woodway Kids Childcare, Birmingham
Displaying educational posters on the walls to facilitate visual learning
Pictorial flashcards to aid communication with the child
Installing corner protectors
Putting up stairgates for safety measures
Reorganising the placement of toys and resources to the child's height, promoting independence by allowing the child to select their toys
I invested in various resources, such as a shape number sorter magnetic train, tactile tracing letters, a jungle gym, building cubes, sensory lights, toys, a tent, a counting colour bears set, emotions eggs, and bilingual books, among others
Arranged outings for the child to take part in, enabling the child to develop their creativity and cognitive development
These resources have impacted and contributed to the child's early literacy and numeracy skills, including social interactions and emotional development, laying a solid foundation for future learning outcomes.
The ISEY funding was also put towards Makaton training, enabling myself and the assistants to effectively communicate with children who have limited speech and language. Undertaking the Makaton training has enhanced my professional development as an early years practitioner and has also improved the quality of early years education offered to the children within the setting.
Furthermore, the funding allowed me to provide nutritious meals in line with the child’s special dietary requirements to support the child's overall wellbeing and development.
Impact of ISEY on the child’s progress and outcomes
With the help of the ISEY funding, the child has made significant development and can now walk confidently without support, communicate with words and signs, form friendships, and engage in activities and play.
Additionally, with the support from my assistants, the child has learned to manage tantrum outbursts, contributing to making progress in the prime and specific areas within the EYFS.
As a result of this progress and access to ISEY funding, I have observed a positive impact on the child's mental health, resilience, and interpersonal skills. The child has made, and continues to make, amazing progress in learning and understanding.
Information about ISEY funding including criteria, how to apply, and support can be found on EYMIS
User Name: PVI2
Password: PVI2year
(You should enter your password as PVI in capital letters)
About the author: Marvadha Foolchand
Marvadha runs Woodway Kids Childcare - where quality childcare and education are provided in a well-resourced home setting, offering plenty of space indoors and outdoors with a secure and private garden for your little ones to explore.
“As a mother of two, I know the challenges faced when it comes to ensuring your children are looked after in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.
“Combined with my years of experience in childcare, Woodway Kids offers a personalised service as each child is unique.
“My years of experience as a childminder have enabled me to build lasting relationships with parents and families of the children I have cared for.
“Caring for children of different ages (0-11 yrs) has allowed me to expand my knowledge of the very diverse stages of development, this experience enabled me to enhance my ability to care for each child individually, whilst also being vigilant of the needs of the group as a whole.
“I have a strong ethos towards my profession; making me committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for the children in my care.”