Technology
Understanding the World: Technology
In our nursery (0–4), children begin to understand technology by exploring objects and finding out how things work. This starts from babies noticing cause and effect (“when I press it, it makes a sound”) and develops into children confidently using simple digital tools with adult support.
Technology in early years is not about long screen time or formal computing lessons. It is about helping children to:
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explore and investigate how everyday objects work
- build vocabulary as they talk about what they notice and try out ideas
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develop curiosity, problem solving and early “computational thinking”
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learn simple rules for safe, respectful use
We use the Characteristics of Effective Learning (playing and exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically) to guide how children learn through technology.
What this looks like for different ages (0–4)
Babies and young toddlers
Children may:
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repeat actions that create effects (sounds, lights, movement)
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explore objects with buttons, flaps, knobs and simple mechanisms
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show fascination with repeated sounds, sights and actions
Adults support by:
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commenting on children’s exploration (“You pressed it and it lit up!”)
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talking about cause and effect in the moment
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offering robust, safe resources that encourage exploration
Toddlers
Children may:
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anticipate what will happen next when using simple action toys
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begin to operate simple “press/turn/pull” mechanisms
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show interest in everyday technology within role play
Adults support by:
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noticing and naming what children are doing
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encouraging curiosity through simple questions (“What happens if…?”)
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providing resources children recognise in real life (e.g., pretend phones, cameras, home corner appliances)
Older toddlers / young preschool
Children may:
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begin to turn on and operate simple digital equipment (with support)
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explore “low technology” through water play (pipes, funnels, water wheels)
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investigate how equipment works through play and practical tasks
Adults support by:
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helping children explore safe control technology (e.g., simple keyboards, remote controls, push-button toys)
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introducing vocabulary linked to what children are exploring
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talking about everyday technologies like washing, drying, cleaning and transporting water
Preschool
Children may:
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operate simple equipment more independently (e.g., torches, remote controls, walkie-talkies)
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explore “technology toys” and real-life devices with guidance
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take photographs, record sounds or create simple digital content
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begin to recognise that information can be retrieved using digital devices and the internet (always with adults)
Adults support by:
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supervising closely while children use digital tools
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drawing attention to key features of devices and digital tools
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linking learning to children’s experiences at home and in the community
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encouraging children to use technology to revisit experiences (e.g., photos from the park)
How we use technology in nursery learning
Children have purposeful opportunities to:
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take photos/video to capture learning (e.g., outdoor discoveries, models, special events)
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record sounds and voices (e.g., songs, stories, listening walks)
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explore simple control and programming toys (e.g., Bee-Bots / Cubetto / remote controls)
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use visual tools (e.g., digital magnifiers / microscopes) to explore the world more closely
Technology is introduced in short, meaningful moments and always supports wider learning such as communication and language, physical development, creativity and understanding the world.