A connected community: Digital literacy in early learning
The Glenkens and District Trust Fund supported the purchase of equipment to improve digital literacy and access in early learning.
Springholm Nursery is a registered charity which provides day care to children aged between two and a half years and primary school age. The catchment area of the nursery includes Springholm, Crocketford, Kirkpatrick Durham and Corsock.
In November 2025, the Glenkens and District Community Fund awarded the nursery a grant of £620 to support the purchase of five tablets, two Bee-Bots, and protective tablet cases. The nursery contributed £15.90 to cover the remaining cost.
The primary beneficiaries of this project have been the 48 children attending the nursery alongside their families and the wider community who attend sessions.
The tablets have been integrated into daily nursery practice in a meaningful and developmentally appropriate way. For example, children use the tablets to scan QR codes placed throughout the environment, enabling them to independently access information linked to their learning.
For many of the children, access to technology at home is limited or inconsistent. By introducing tablets and Bee-Bots into the nursery setting, they have been able to provide equitable access to digital tools that support learning, communication, and creativity. This helps to narrow the gap between children who may have access to technology at home and those who do not, ensuring that all children can develop early digital literacy skills that are increasingly important for future education and life opportunities.
This project has created lasting change by embedding digital and STEM learning into everyday practice in a sustainable and inclusive way. The tablets and Bee-Bots are now part of the nursery’s continuous provision, meaning future cohorts of children will continue to develop key skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving, and confidence.
A significant long-term impact is the shift in confidence and understanding among both staff and families. Staff are now more skilled in using technology to enhance learning, and this will continue to influence our practice moving forward. Families have also gained confidence in supporting learning at home, recognising that meaningful use of technology does not require expensive resources.
The project has strengthened the nursery’s community approach, with increased parental engagement through sessions such as STEM and Makaton. This has built stronger relationships between home and nursery, which will continue to develop.
It has also influenced the curriculum, with a greater focus on early STEM learning, including coding through Bee-Bots and activities linked to STEM Trailblazers such as Alan Turing. This early exposure is helping to foster curiosity and positive attitudes towards learning.
| “I never thought that my child would be coding at 4 years old! It was great to be able to do this together. I really liked using the tablets in the Makaton session, seeing how the signs were done, and watching a signed story.” |
Overall, the project has created a sustainable model that will continue to benefit children, families, and staff, ensuring inclusive, high-quality learning opportunities for the future.
Read more about the Glenkens and District Community Fund