Strengthening Sustainability and Scaling of TOY for Inclusion

Description

In 2024, the TOY for Inclusion programme was selected as one of the seven winners of TheirWorld Education Innovation Awards.

ICDI and Škola Dokoran – Wide Open School, the TOY for Inclusion national coordinating organisation in Slovakia, with the technical and financial support of TheirWorld, are working together to strengthen the sustainability and scaling of the TOY for Inclusion approach across Europe.

ICDI supports the project as an international partner, contributing to the development of scaling pathways that ensure Play Hubs continue to serve as inclusive, community-based spaces for young children and families—especially those from marginalized groups such as Roma, refugees, migrants, and children with disabilities.

Objectives

The project focuses on refining the TOY for Inclusion model, developing possible sustainable and scaling pathways and promoting its integration into early childhood systems at both local and national levels.

The scaling vision for TOY for Inclusion is: By 2030, TOY for Inclusion aims to provide inclusive, high-quality early childhood services to 50,000 children in 12 countries.

Activities and results

An external evaluation confirms the critical role of Play Hubs in supporting school readiness through play-based learning, emotional development, and parental engagement.

A policy review and financial modelling process provide insights into how to sustainably scale the approach across diverse contexts.

The project develops three pathways for sustainability and growth:

A two-tier licensing agreement for national and local implementers

A tailored pitching package for municipalities and funders

A strategic fundraising plan to attract public and private investment

The project facilitates the expansion of the TOY for Inclusion network. New partners in Ireland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Kazakhstan adopt the model, and several EU funding proposals support further innovation and impact.