Buying Guide for EYFS touch screens
Buying guide to getting the right Interactive Touch screen for your EYFS
Choosing the right interactive touchscreen for your nursery or Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) setting is a significant decision that can enhance learning experiences and support developmental milestones. To assist in this process, let's explore key considerations and real-world examples that highlight the benefits and practicalities of integrating interactive technology into early years education.
Understanding the Need for Interactive Touchscreens in EYFS
Traditional teaching tools like whiteboards and projectors have served classrooms for years. However, they often come with limitations such as calibration issues, limited interactivity, and maintenance challenges. Interactive touchscreens offer a modern solution, providing intuitive, engaging, and versatile platforms that cater to the dynamic needs of young learners.
Key Considerations for Selecting an Interactive Touchscreen
- Usability and Child-Friendliness The touchscreen should be intuitive for both educators and children. Features like multi-touch capabilities allow multiple children to interact simultaneously, fostering collaboration and engagement.
- Educational Content Alignment Ensure the device comes with or supports applications aligned with the EYFS curriculum. This includes tools for literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.
- Safety and Durability Given the active nature of young children, the screen should have features like toughened glass, anti-glare surfaces, and antibacterial coatings to ensure safety and longevity.
- Audio-Visual Quality High-quality speakers and display ensure that audio-visual content is clear and engaging, essential for activities like storytime and music sessions. 5. Mobility and Flexibility Consider devices that are easily movable and adjustable in height to accommodate various activities and classroom layouts.
Real-World Applications and Benefits Case Study
- Enhancing Curriculum Delivery - A nursery integrated an Interactive Touchscreen Table: Early Years Edition to enrich its curriculum delivery. The device, equipped with applications mapped against the EYFS curriculum, provided a multi-purpose, financially viable solution. Educators observed increased engagement and improved learning outcomes, particularly in literacy and numeracy skills. Case Study
- Supporting Diverse Learning Needs -Another early years setting implemented interactive touchscreen tables to support children with varying learning needs, including those with autism and learning difficulties. The intuitive interface and engaging content facilitated inclusive learning experiences, allowing all children to participate actively.
Financial Considerations and Support Budget constraints are a common concern. However, options like leasing plans can make high-quality interactive touchscreens more accessible. For instance, one nursery opted for a leasing plan that allowed them to invest in a comprehensive device without the upfront financial burden.
Implementation and Aftercare -Proper installation and ongoing support are crucial. Ensure that the provider offers services like delivery, setup, staff training, and technical support to maximize the benefits of the interactive touchscreen.
Conclusion
Integrating an interactive touchscreen into your nursery or EYFS setting can significantly enhance educational experiences, foster engagement, and support diverse learning needs. By carefully considering usability, educational alignment, safety, and financial options, you can select a solution that aligns with your educational goals and budget. For personalized guidance and to explore suitable options for your setting, consider reaching out to providers specializing in early years educational technology.
Looking at FAQ we get asked regulary - we have tried to give you a quick and more detailed answer and some examples - hope this helps
Are interactive touchscreens suitable for nursery-aged children?
Quick Answer: Yes — they are designed with young learners in mind, ensuring they’re safe, simple to use, and highly engaging.
Detailed Answer: Interactive touchscreens built for EYFS classrooms are crafted to suit the way young children learn and play. They feature toughened glass, bright visuals, and touch interfaces that respond to little fingers with ease. These screens often support multiple touch points, allowing several children to explore content at the same time, which is perfect for group learning. For example, one nursery introduced a touchscreen during morning circle time. Children took turns swiping through a visual schedule, which helped them understand the day ahead, reduced anxiety, and encouraged participation from even the quietest pupils.
What are the benefits of using interactive touchscreens in early years education?
Quick Answer: They improve engagement, encourage hands-on learning, and help children of different abilities learn together.
Detailed Answer: Interactive screens bring lessons to life by combining sound, visuals, and touch. Whether it’s a counting game, a phonics song, or a simple drag-and-drop puzzle, children become actively involved in the learning. This is especially useful for visual or sensory learners and supports inclusive classrooms. One early years setting used a touchscreen during phonics time. Children tapped letters to hear their sounds and dragged them to form basic words. The screen gave instant feedback and helped build confidence without requiring reading fluency.
How do interactive touchscreens integrate with our existing nursery technology?
Quick Answer: Easily — most models work with iPads, laptops, and other school tech via cable or wireless connection.
Detailed Answer: Modern touchscreens are built for compatibility. Whether you’re using Chromebooks, iPads, or Windows laptops, you can connect via USB, HDMI, or wirelessly. Many panels come with apps pre-installed, including whiteboards, timers, and drawing tools. In one example, staff mirrored their tablet to the touchscreen during group reading, launching storybook apps directly from their lesson planning device. This made transitions smooth and encouraged flexible teaching styles.
What should we consider when selecting an interactive touchscreen for a nursery?
Quick Answer: Think about how it will be used — including size, safety features, learning apps, sound quality, and whether it can be moved.
Detailed Answer: Start by thinking about your classroom layout and how the touchscreen will be used throughout the day. If your room is multipurpose, a mobile, height-adjustable trolley may be better than a fixed mount. Look for features like anti-glare glass, antibacterial coatings, and multi-touch responsiveness. Clear audio is essential for music and story sessions. One setting chose a smaller screen on a mobile stand so they could move it between groups. Teachers used it for phonics games in the morning and calming sensory visuals in the afternoon — all without rewiring or relocating furniture.
Is there a concern about screen time for young children using touchscreens?
Quick Answer: Only when used passively. Interactive touchscreens are best when used as part of guided, purposeful play and learning.
Detailed Answer: The key is how the screen is used. Unlike passive screen time (like television), interactive touchscreen use in EYFS settings should be teacher-led, active, and balanced with traditional play. The screen becomes one of many learning tools — supporting stories, exploration, and collaboration. One nursery used a short video on minibeasts to launch a bug hunt. After outdoor time, children returned to the screen to sketch their findings, turning them into a class collage. The technology enhanced learning without taking away from physical activity or creativity.