Showcase Magazine Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 27
CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
Enhancing Child Development
Through
Technology
In early years education, understanding each child as an
individual is central to providing high-quality care and
learning experiences. For children with Special Educational
Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this understanding
becomes even more crucial. One powerful tool that
nurseries can use to bridge the home and nursery
environment is technology, specifically videos and voice
recordings shared by parents or caregivers. Technology is
not a replacement for hands-on care, but when used
thoughtfully, it can significantly enhance the development
of children.
Children develop best when there is continuity between
the environments where they spend their time. This
continuity
can
support
emotional
security,
communication, and learning. Parents are the experts on
their children’s needs, interests, and unique ways of
expressing themselves, and so when nurseries actively
encourage families to share moments from home, this
partnership strengthens the understanding of each child
and informs tailored support.
Ideas to Implement
Enhanced Communication: Voice recordings allow
children who may have limited verbal communication at
nursery to express themselves in a familiar way at home.
Listening to a familiar voice can support emotional
regulation and language development when transitioning
into nursery activities.
Encourage Short, Frequent Clips: Parents do not need to
send long videos. Short clips of daily activities or
achievements are often most effective.
Observation and Planning: Videos offer nursery staff a
window into children’s learning styles, interests, and
emerging skills that may not always be visible during the
nursery day. This insight is invaluable for planning
differentiated learning experiences, especially for children
who may require additional support. Use the insights from
recordings in room planning, SEN support strategies, and
individual learning journals.
Family Empowerment: Inviting families to share
multimedia encourages them to feel like active
contributors to their child’s learning journey. This
collaboration strengthens the nursery and home
relationship and promotes consistency in learning
approaches and behaviour strategies.
Familiarity and Routine: Many SEND children thrive on
routine and predictability. Short videos showing a child
engaging in a home activity can help educators mirror
those routines at nursery, reducing anxiety and supporting
smoother transitions.
Focus on Specific Moments: Highlighting a child’s
interaction, play, or communication helps educators
understand strengths and challenges.
Maintain Privacy and Consent: Ensure parents understand
how videos and recordings will be stored and used,
adhering to GDPR and safeguarding guidelines.
Read more: Action for Children!
｜
Showcase Training 27
