Early years guidance and resources

In this guide

• Digital pedagogy in early years settings
• Apps and platforms to support parents
• Platforms designed for under 5s
• Guides to share with parents and carers

Digital pedagogy in early years settings

In July 2026, the Early Years Coalition published Birth to 5 Matters (second edition), which includes guidance on digital pedagogy.

The below tips are drawn from this publication to help you support the young children you educate.

Choose tech with intention

When setting children up on devices, keep in mind the purpose of the device use. It’s a tool that you can use to help children in early years develop and learn. Take the same level of care when choosing devices and apps as you would setting up a role play area or book corner.

Ask yourself:

• What does this device make possible for a child?
• How could it support activities?
• What is the digital experience replacing?

Digital microscopes let children see texture and detail more closely; programmable robots help children develop problem-solving skills.

However, stacking blocks in a game on a tablet is not equal to stacking tangible blocks off of a device. So, it’s important to consider whether it is necessary to the skills you’re helping them develop in the moment.

Schedule tech use carefully

‘Choosing when to use technology is as important as the device itself.’ Avoid interrupting engaged play, learning or socialising where you can.

And think about transitions. Using devices before clean-up time, for example, can make it a lot more difficult for young children to switch gears.

Devices are designed to be user-friendly and engaging, which is why screen time can creep up. It’s also why getting a young child to put a tablet away and start tidying can result in conflict and big emotions.

The guidance also recommends avoiding screen use around nap times or the end of the day. Bright blue light from screens and stimulating content can negatively impact their sleep and ability to wind down.

Take an active role in device use

In the same way as we would encourage parents to sit with their child during device use, take an active role as an educator. Help them connect what they learn on a device to what they’ve also learned off devices.

Talk with them about what they’re doing. Ask questions to help them think critically. Narrate what is being done on devices, including when it’s time to take a break (‘my eyes feel sleepy, so I know I need to take a break’).

Model purposeful use to help show children that technology is a useful tool, but not a replacement for other activities.

Think about quality, not just quantity

Not all screen time is created equal. While government guidance recommends no screen time for infants and limited screen time for under-5s in general, the quality of that screen time matters.

Devices and apps which hold a child’s attention but offer nothing substantial cannot support their development.

Fast-paced videos, unpredictable content and overstimulating visuals can be too much for a young child. Instead, prioritise slow-paced content and apps which have clear learning goals or outcomes.

Partner with parents and families

Online safety and media literacy skills develop best when both school and home work together. Support families with guidance around best practise (such as talking to their child about what they are watching).

You can also suggest device-based activities or strategies for transitions (such as towards bedtime) to help them develop their own positive habits.

Download and read the full guidance here (digital pedagogy is on page 42).

Apps and platforms to support parents

The following resources can help parents feel supported when it comes to their child’s development. Whether they need help with general care or to keep their child’s digital life positive, these resources can help.

Supporting children’s development

Helping find supportive apps, games and videos

Kids' Slow Media Project

Find slow-paced video series

CBeebies

Find games, videos and more for under 5s

Educational App Store

Find educational apps by age

Family Gaming Database

Search for games by age and more

Platforms designed for early years

The below platforms are designed for children in early years. While they might suit a child’s age, it’s important to also consider how it supports their development.

Not every child will benefit from platforms designed for their age alone. Make sure you review any content before you share it with children or their parents.

CBeebies

ABCmouse

Epic! stories

GoNoodle

LingoKids