Langney Nursery: Coding

Nursery children at Langney Primary Academy, on Chailey Close and part of Swale Academies Trust, have been taking part in an exciting new computing project this term, helping them develop early coding skills through fun, play-based learning.

Bright Sparks Nursery is Langney Primary Academy’s early years provision for children aged 2 to 5, giving younger learners a gentle introduction to school routines and curriculum within a familiar and caring setting.

Small groups of children are taking part in the specialist coding activity each week over the course of the term. Using an interactive train set, children can choose what they want the train to do, such as stop or make a sound, using colourful ‘Action Bricks’.

By choosing whether the train stops or makes a sound, the children are learning the fundamental concept of sequencing and understanding that machines follow precise instructions in a specific order. If the train does not behave as expected, the children are encouraged to ‘debug’ their code by moving or swapping the bricks, helping them to practise problem-solving and perseverance in a playful and engaging way.

The activity supports children to build early computing foundations linked to the National Curriculum for Computing and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, specifically 'Creating and Thinking Critically,' as children find their own ways to solve problems and change strategy. Working together in small groups also helps children develop collaboration, turn-taking and communication skills and by introducing these computational thinking concepts early, Bright Sparks Nursery is providing a seamless bridge to the Key Stage 1 Computing Curriculum.

The project reflects Bright Sparks Nursery’s commitment to offering a rich and varied early years curriculum that supports children’s confidence, curiosity and early learning skills.

 

Abi Talbot, Nursery Manager of Bright Sparks Nursery, said:

“It has been wonderful to see how engaged the children have been in this project. They love experimenting with the Action Bricks and watching the train respond straight away. It’s a brilliant way for them to develop early coding skills through play, while also learning to work together, communicate their ideas and keep trying when something doesn’t work the first time.”

Ben Bowles, Headteacher at Langney Primary Academy, said:

“Our early years team work exceptionally hard to create exciting opportunities that help children enjoy learning from the very start. This computing project is a fantastic example of how play-based activities can build important skills, from problem-solving and confidence to early technology understanding.”

Read the article on Sussex World, here.