Computing in EYFS

Computing sessions will be used to give children the opportunity to use technology, equip them for the demands of the developing digital world, and prepare them for the next step in their education. When teaching Computing and utilising technology, e.g. laptops and tablets, the school will have due regard for the ‘Education for a Connected World’ framework when shaping what children are taught. The school aims to:

• Help children work more independently.

• Enable children to develop and enhance their work.

• Encourage children to collaborate on projects.

• Give children the skills and tools to access a wide range of information, ideas and cultures

. • Help children develop skills that can be used in other areas of the curriculum.

• Help children develop good control and coordination through using Computing equipment.

• Encourage children to represent their ideas, thoughts and feelings through technology.

In accordance with the DfE’s ‘Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage’, all educational programmes offered by the setting, including Computing, will work towards the early learning goals (ELGs). This includes:

• Communication and language: Computing helps children to develop their self-expression confidence and skills, and allows them to speak and listen in a range of situations.

• Physical development: using interactive programmes, computer mice, keyboards and touch screens helps children develop their coordination, control and movement.

• Personal, social and emotional development: technology gives pupils access to new ways to express their emotions and interact with others.

• Literacy: the internet gives children to access a vast range of media and materials.

• Mathematics: Computing enhances children’s experiences of learning mathematics and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems, and describing shapes, spaces and measure.

• Understanding the world: children will be taught to use the internet to enhance their knowledge of people, places, technology and their physical environment.

• Expressive arts and design: interactive games, activities and materials will be used to encourage children to share their creativity and ideas.

Teachers will not use formative assessments for Computing, but will use summative assessments to help track children’s progress. Resources will be shared fairly between pupils and, where needed, tasks and equipment will be adjusted to suit pupils’ needs and abilities. The EYFS lead will be responsible for ensuring all staff and parents are aware of the setting’s policy on using technology and teaching Computing. The EYFS lead will hold the Computing Lead, teachers and support staff to account for their delivery and support of the Computing curriculum and offer support where needed. The Computing Lead will be responsible for:

• Staying aware of new Computing developments and communicating these to staff, including through bespoke training where necessary.

• Attending appropriate in-service training, including safeguarding training.

• Maintaining the upkeep and use of Computing resources.

• Working with the EYFS lead to establish an annual budget to secure the procurement of the required Computing software and hardware.

• Keeping appropriate records of Computing expenditure to review costs and make suggestions for the future.

• Securing and maintaining Computing resources.

• Ensuring Computing resources are up-to-date, fit for purpose and safe for pupils to use.

• Advising staff on the correct and safe use of digital technologies.

Staff delivering the Computing curriculum will be responsible for:

• Encouraging pupils to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding of Computing in other areas of learning.

• Tailoring lesson delivery according to pupils’ age and respective abilities.

• Working with the Computing technician to put reasonable adjustments in place to ensure all pupils can make use of the school’s Computing equipment.

• Undertaking summative assessments to ensure the aims set out in this policy are being met.

• Keeping the EYFS lead informed about how the aims of the setting’s Computing curriculum are being achieved.

• Supporting children through play and teaching to recognise how technology is used across their lives, such as in their home and school.

The Online Safety Policy will be adhered to at all times. This includes installing internet filters and antivirus software on all devices and ensuring pupils are supervised appropriately when using the internet. In the event of pupils accessing inappropriate content online, safeguarding procedures will be followed in accordance with the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.