Computer and Mobile Technology
Computer and mobile technologies can be a great source of education and play and I support the use of these technologies in my setting. I will endeavour to create age appropriate opportunities for children in my setting to experience the use of computer technologies through:
Children having access to an internet enabled computer or mobile device.
Researching and downloading appropriate apps on my mobile device.
Helping children to learn to use a mouse and to understand the main features of a computer or mobile device.
Encouraging children to use windows based programmes, for example ‘powerpoint’ and ‘picolage’ to create posters.
Sitting with younger children when they are using the computer.
Internet Safety
In addition to the benefits that can be gained through the use of ICT, I also recognise that the internet in particular can pose risks and that it is important to ensure children are kept safe when using the internet.
I will therefore follow the advice from the NSPCC on how to keep children safe online:
Talk to children on an age appropriate level about the dangers posed by the internet.
Tell children to speak to me, or their parents, if they become worried or concerned.
Explain that anything shared online or by mobile phone could end up being seen by anyone.
Understand what each child does online and know which websites they visit.
Put the computer in a family area, rather than out of site in a bedroom.
Use filtering software to block inappropriate sites.
Furthermore, as social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook are not recommended for children under 13, I will not allow children in my care under this age to visit social networking sites. If children want to visit websites that have a small social networking focus (such as game sites which allow you to message others in the game) I will speak to the parents about the most suitable approach to take.
My use of social media
To help continuously improve my childminding practice, from time to time I may use childcare focussed websites and social media, such as childminding groups on Facebook. When using these sites I will follow my confidentiality policy and at no time will I give out the names or personal information of children in my care.