Busy Bees is currently piloting exciting new Information Communication Technology (ICT) software and equipment in four of its nurseries, in Derby, Chiswick, Reigate and Burntwood, to further improve the implementation of the Governments Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Each of the nurseries have received a special document (DOC) camera, which can be used alongside their Interactive White Board, a pioneering piece of equipment which is currently used in many Busy Bees nurseries to develop children's key skills. The DOC camera can be used to take photos of the children so they can complete a self-registration on the Whiteboard, as well as take photos of the children's fantastic creations. The device can also be used as a microscope so the children can investigate interesting items and explore them further. The nurseries have also received a microphone, which can be linked to the computer to record the children's voices and downloaded onto a CD for parents to keep.

Various software packages are also being trialled at the settings as part of the new ICT project, including 'Billy Goat's Gruff' and 'The Gingerbread Man'. Children can have fun using the interactive games, puzzles and stories, specially designed to enhance the children's development skills, as outlined in the EYFS learning framework. Some of the activities include using finger puppets to act out stories, creating role-play areas, weaving using wool and lollipop sticks, as well as various craft activities including making animal masks, puppets, and tasty snacks.

The purpose of the initiative is to develop the use of the nurseries White Boards, which have proved to be very beneficial when developing the EYFS. The new ICT resources aim to advance children's learning and development opportunities further. A number of Busy Bees nursery staff are also undertaking training on the effective use of the White Board to further enhance the equipment's effectiveness.

Childcare and Curriculum Manager at Busy Bees, Lisa Snell, said: "Busy Bees recognise that ICT resources are just some of the ways in which the EYFS can be developed, however the use of ICT alongside the IWB is beneficial to child development, and opportunities to expand skills included on the curriculum are endless.

The IWB's have been very successful at our nurseries, and we are hoping to enhance children’s learning and development opportunities further by providing the tools, software and knowledge to enable nurseries to take full advantage of this equipment."