A CATRINE nursery is leading the way in Scotland after pioneering the use of new technology to teach the area's youngest children about the world around them.
Catrine Early Childhood Centre (ECC), part of Catrine Primary School, earned a Digital Schools Award for its early years work - the first in the country to do so.
The techniques they are using include QR codes around the ECC building which children can scan using Chromebooks or iPads to learn more about subjects that interest them.
The project is being led by the ECC's depute manager Alana Speirs, its STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) 'champion', Sherrie Devlin, and head teacher Judith Govans.
Sherrie spoke of the importance of promoting STEM throughout the ECC, supporting staff to use new technologies and about the way the children have embraced technology, increasing confidence and independence.
Staff create the codes, then the children can use their chrome books or i-Pads to learn independently about topics that interest them,
For example, pupils are learning more about dinosaurs at the moment.
Judith said: “I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Catrine Early Childhood Centre and particularly Alana and Sherrie.
"Together they have worked so hard to demonstrate our Early Years Digital journey and earn our award.
“They have changed perceptions of technology for our staff and parents and carers, and have led the way in Scotland in this curricular area.
"Thanks to their effort, Digital Schools Award Scotland will now be developing a framework specifically for Early Childhood Centres.
"Moving forward, we are committed to continuing our Early Years Digital Schools journey and finding new ways to challenge and create positive learning opportunities for our children, for example the children have already started learning how to code.
"We are also committed to supporting colleagues who wish to work towards their own Early Years Digital Award.”
The Digital Schools Award Scotland team praised the Catrine staff for their "exceptional and sector-leading" work.
The good news came just weeks after a glowing Care Inspectorate report relating to the staff, leadership and setting at the ECC.
READ MORE: 'Caring, warm and nurturing' staff highlighted in glowing nursery report
Councillor Elaine Cowan, East Ayrshire Council's spokesperson for education, children and young people, added: “I found the visit to Catrine Early Childhood Centre fascinating.
"We learned so much about the role of technology and what can be achieved within our ECCs with knowledge and passion.
"I was very pleased to hear that the parents and carers have been very supportive of the developments and that they particularly enjoy the online Learning Journals.
“I was so impressed by Sherrie and Alana’s presentation, but that was nothing to actually joining the children for play and learning."
Cllr Cowan continued: "I played shops, did some colouring in and some very enthusiastic children taught me how to make a short film, using a green screen background. It was incredible, their confidence and skill actually took me aback.
"I can’t congratulate Judith Govans and her whole team enough.
"The ECC is such a positive learning environment, as was highlighted by their recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate, where they scored ‘very good’ across all four categories.
"The children are happy, confident and officially the best in Scotland!”
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