Planning and Development
ICT Policy

Children are living in a world where the technology that surrounds them is changing at a rapid pace.  Adults that are involved with children need to reflect that technology in their setting and develop children’s awareness and understanding. 

They need to provide them with experiences which will give them the necessary skills which enable them to learn and communicate with others.

Provision should be inclusive, ensuring equal access to technological resources'

Aims

• To use ICT appropriately through out the Foundation Phase curriculum
• To enable and encourage children to investigate and identify the uses of technology that surrounds them in their every day lives
• To enable and encourage children to use a range of ICT equipment such as computers and programmable toys to support their learning and communication

Objectives
To promote children’s use of ICT as a tool for learning, develop the necessary skills to achieve this and also to develop their understanding of its everyday use:

• Children should have access to a wide range of familiar resources which are intuitive and accessible to develop their technological understanding.
• Technology should be integrated in role play to reflect the world around us.
• Children should be encouraged to work co-operatively, share  knowledge, skills and enjoyment.
• ICT should be integrated throughout the Foundation Phase curriculum, developing a skills based approach to computer use which encourages control of the equipment.
• ICT should be used to communicate widely, such as with parents other agencies, between children and staff.
• Appropriate use of the internet should be encouraged by children and staff as a potential source of knowledge and to support learning.

Learning Environment
The learning environment should reflect the technological world in which we live. Children should independently and confidently access resources, computers and programmable toys to support and enhance their learning and play. 

Adults should integrate ICT when appropriate across the Foundation Phase curriculum. They should enable and support children in accessing ICT and developing children’s skills.

Planning, Assessment and Record Keeping
Adults should identify the use of ICT in their long, medium and short term plans, ensuring opportunities are created for ICT skills across all areas of learning and throughout the learning environment.

Through observation, children’s progress should be assessed using the ICT Skills Sheet and recorded in individual profiles. This information should be used to inform short term planning, highlighting the next steps for individual children. 

A range of ICT equipment can be used to record individual children’s progress and achievements.  This information can be shared with children, parents and governors.

Equal Opportunities
Please refer to school’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

Staff Development
An audit of staff ICT skills and knowledge should be undertaken to assess current skills level and to identify strengths and needs.  Staff can access the appropriate training via LEA short course programme or other training providers.  

Staff can be updated on current good practice in ICT on the LEA’s Early Years Website.

Health and Safety
Please refer to school’s Health and Safety policy.