SFJ Awards Level 3 Award for ICT in Early Years' Settings

SFJ-AWARDS

vocational

This element equips practitioners with the skills to intentionally integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into early childhood education. It focuses on using digital tools to enhance play-based learning, supporting children's developmental progress, and ensuring inclusive practice. Learners will develop practical strategies to plan, deliver, and evaluate ICT-rich activities that foster creativity, communication, and problem-solving in an early years setting.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Provide clear evidence of linking ICT activities to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning goals
Demonstrate how chosen ICT resources are age-appropriate and inclusive
Show reflection on how facilitation techniques supported children's engagement
Include documentation of risk assessments for ICT use
Evidence of adapting activities for children with additional needs

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Provide clear evidence of linking ICT activities to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning goals
Demonstrate how chosen ICT resources are age-appropriate and inclusive
Show reflection on how facilitation techniques supported children's engagement
Include documentation of risk assessments for ICT use
Evidence of adapting activities for children with additional needs

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Always link your planning and evaluation to the EYFS or relevant curriculum framework
💡Include real examples from your placement to demonstrate practical application
💡Show critical reflection on how you ensured every child could participate, including those with SEND or EAL
💡When facilitating, document your role and the children's responses, not just the activity
💡Be explicit about how you adhered to safeguarding and data protection policies

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Assuming all technology is appropriate without considering developmental readiness
Focusing on the technology itself rather than the learning outcomes
Neglecting the importance of adult interaction and scaffolding during ICT play
Using ICT as a passive 'babysitting' tool rather than an interactive learning medium
Overlooking data protection and consent when using digital media with children

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

ICT as a learning tool

Planning for ICT integration

Inclusive digital practice

Facilitating child-led ICT discovery

Safeguarding and e-safety in early years

Evaluating ICT outcomes

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

SFJ Awards Level 3 Award for ICT in Early Years' Settings

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in SFJ-AWARDS vocational Learning Support

Facilitate ICT learning in Early Years’ settings

Use ICT in Early Years’ Settings

Internally assure the quality of assessment

Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility