Isn't using touch-screen computer an isolating experience?
At Asquith we believe in all types of education. Whereas real play develops all sorts of social skills within children, a touch-screen computer allows a child to interact and learn on a whole new level.

Aren't whiteboards just 'computers too early' for little ones who should really be scampering around?
Not at all. At Asquith we believe in play - real games, real people, real learning. Digging, splashing, hopping, building. Whiteboards bring the children a whole new realm of experience and achievement.

How long should children be in front of a Smart Board or a touch-screen computer at nursery?
We take lead from our internal managers qualified in early years, but the Smart Board is a very flexible tool and one in which we can use in many different ways. We ensure that there is rotation within the room on using the various activities, this limits the time spent on any individual item of equipment.

What sort of activities do the children get up to on the touch-screen computers?
We are about to issue some educational software covering literacy and science for use on the PCs, we intend to link the PC with digital and video cameras that the children will be able to use within the nursery. We are also keen to introduce technology into the nurseries so that the children gain confidence with the equipment before they proceed into new education levels where much of this technology already resides.

Do these computers have cameras?
The computers do have cameras but the computer is not connected to any network and cannot be accessed remotely. The internal camera is very useful as it opens up opportunities to visually interact with programs.

What is the specification of the touch-screen computer at nurseries?
The computer is an Acer Aspire Z3101, it will be equipped with literacy and science activities which will really support making learning easy and fun for all.

At what age does computer teaching start?
We take guidance from our internal managers qualified in Early Years, however, as all our lives are surrounded in technology, the sooner an individual gains confidence in the use of technology, the better it will be for them.

Being busy parents it would really benefit to receive copies of the ‘jottings’ on my child’s progress as well as any other assessment or report details in electronic format.
There are two projects underway that are based around a core need to offer feedback communication using available technology, and also to use technology more to record information that currently is written. When these projects are completed and trialled successfully, they will be rolled out to other nurseries and we can demonstrate progress in these areas.

Are you planning on introducing a system where in-house cameras can be viewed online for parents to watch their children’s activities in the nursery?
We currently have no plans to introduce such a system, though the subject is raised periodically and is discussed. I am working on a project that allows for technology to aid in capturing key moments as a record of a child’s development, however, this is still at an early stage of development and it does not have a remote access capability.