ICT Policy

TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS NURSERY ICT Policy

1. Introduction

This policy outlines the aims, principles, and strategies for the use and integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nursery. We are committed to creatively and effectively using ICT to support children’s learning and development across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

2. What is ICT?

ICT includes a broad range of tools and technologies that support the collection, processing, presentation, and communication of information. It goes beyond computers and includes:

  • Audio and video recorders

  • Telephones and mobile phones (used appropriately under safeguarding policies)

  • Cameras and scanners

  • Electronic musical instruments and sound mixing tools

  • Computers, laptops, tablets, and iPads

  • Programmable toys and control kits

  • Assistive technologies and voice-operated devices

  • The internet and educational software

  • Interactive whiteboards or presentation screens

3. Aims

Our aim is to harness ICT to:

  • Support children in becoming confident and independent learners.

  • Encourage planning, organisation, creativity, and problem-solving.

  • Provide inclusive learning opportunities, especially for children with additional needs.

  • Enable access to a wide range of information and cultures.

  • Support communication, physical development, and sensory learning through assistive technologies.

For children with learning difficulties, ICT can:

  • Increase independence in communication and literacy.

  • Support skill development across the curriculum.

  • Enhance access to practical activities through adaptive tools like switches.

  • Facilitate collaborative work and joint projects.

4. Resources and Provision

We use ICT to support teaching and learning throughout the nursery, not just as a standalone subject.

Current ICT Resources Include:

  • A darkroom for visually impaired learners

  • A sensory soft playroom

  • A central store of iPads, tablets, laptops, headphones, CD players, and recorders

  • VTech cameras and camcorders

  • Interactive learning laptops and phones

  • Televisions in the toddler and preschool rooms (used for educational content only)

5. E-Safety

We prioritise online safety by:

  • Providing ongoing e-safety training for all staff.

  • Ensuring all computers and tablets are equipped with child-appropriate filters and monitoring software.

  • Prohibiting access to inappropriate websites for both staff and children.

  • Supervising internet use at all times.

  • Implementing a clear e-safety procedure as part of our safeguarding practice.

6. ICT in Teaching and Learning

Practitioners use a variety of approaches to integrate ICT into daily activities, including:

  • Using computers/tablets to demonstrate skills or present information to children.

  • Facilitating group discussions around digital content.

  • Supporting individual, paired, and group work using ICT tools.

  • Encouraging collaborative learning and problem-solving through guided tasks.

  • Using ICT to document and reflect on children’s learning (e.g., photos, videos, digital portfolios).

7. ICT in Administration

Nursery administration and record keeping are supported by ICT, overseen by the Manager. This includes:

  • Secure storage of children’s records and data.

  • Integration of administrative and learning systems to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.

  • Ensuring all data systems comply with data protection legislation.

8. Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Nursery Manager

  • Ensure statutory ICT requirements are met.

  • Review and update the ICT Policy annually.

  • Support and line manage the ICT lead or coordinator.

  • Oversee ICT purchasing and resource planning.

Room Leaders/Practitioners

  • Support children’s ICT development in line with the EYFS.

  • Ensure equal access to ICT resources.

  • Use ICT safely and model responsible use.

  • Monitor and evaluate children’s progress using ICT.

  • Report faults via the ICT issue logging process.

9. Hardware, Software, and Access

Hardware and Peripherals

  • The nursery maintains a variety of hardware to meet diverse learning needs, including assistive technologies.

  • An annual audit is conducted to inform upgrades and future planning.

Software

  • Age-appropriate and inclusive educational software is available across the nursery.

  • Software supports communication, creativity, and curriculum coverage.

Access

  • All staff and children have fair access to ICT resources.

  • Resources are made available to the wider nursery community where appropriate and safe.

10. Health and Safety

  • All ICT equipment is subject to annual PAT testing.

  • Staff are trained in safe and ergonomic use of devices.

  • Wires and equipment are kept out of reach of children unless in active use under supervision.

11. Copyright and Data Protection

  • All software used in the setting is legally licensed.

  • Staff must not reproduce or share digital content without verifying copyright permissions.

  • Data handling complies with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

12. Computer Security and Virus Protection

  • All computers are protected with up-to-date antivirus software.

  • Devices are security marked and stored safely when not in use.

  • Staff are trained in basic cybersecurity awareness.

13. Use of Televisions

  • TVs located in the toddler and preschool rooms (Romford and Ongar) are used exclusively for educational purposes, such as:

    • Topic-based videos

    • Learning songs and phonics resources

    • Stories relevant to current learning themes (e.g., The Gruffalo)

  • Entertainment programs like Peppa Pig are not permitted.

  • Screen time is limited and monitored closely in line with EYFS guidance on healthy child development.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or when significant changes occur in ICT use, technology, or EYFS requirements.

Reviewed By: Brittany V – Manager – 27/05/2025

 

​

Powered by Concept Original