Rosemount Lifelong Learning, a Royston-based charity helping to combat digital exclusion and promote digital literacy, has launched Digitots; a new initiative supporting children aged three to five with the development of the skills they need to thrive in a tech-driven world.

Through engaging activities like digital drawing using tablets, interactive games on a digital whiteboard, and play-based learning using a range of electronic devices provided by the charity, Digitots aims to equip preschoolers with introductory digital skills

Weekly sessions are initially being provided to children who attend the charity’s nursery and are an extension of the popular Digitbite programme, where people of all ages and abilities come together to explore a wide range of technologies, including 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, and drones.

Rosemount Lifelong Learning was recently supported by a £99,600 grant to help launch Digitots through the Building Digital Skills Fund, a partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation.

This funding enabled the charity to hire a part-time IT tutor to support Digitots and other initiatives addressing digital exclusion, as well as to invest in new laptops.

The Digitots tutor not only leads the session for children, but also works with parents and carers to ensure families feel comfortable using the devices and are confident in supporting their children’s learning at home.

Many of the families served by Rosemount Lifelong Learning don’t have regular access to digital equipment. The charity’s ambition is to ensure everyone has access to the technology and skills they need for both life and work online.

Other initiatives offered by Rosemount Lifelong Learning include IT @ Home, which provides small group sessions for support with things like online Universal Credit applications, Skype and Zoom call tutorials, online banking, and more. Attendees can also work with the charity to gain formal qualifications in preparation for employment or further education.

A recent study by Manchester Metropolitan University, involving over 1,400 parents across the UK, explored how toddlers interact with digital technology. The findings revealed that the vast majority of parents believe technology provides opportunities for children to develop skills in numeracy (83%), reading (75%), and creative skills (75%), while most disagreed with the idea that it negatively impacts learning.

Sean Morrow, chief executive officer at Rosemount Lifelong Learning, said: “We’re thrilled with the launch of Digitots and the opportunity it gives young children to explore technology in a fun and supportive environment. In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for kids to feel comfortable with technology, and starting early can make such a difference.
Thanks to the support from HFD and the Virgin Money Foundation, we’ve been able to bring in a dedicated IT tutor and provide the tools and resources needed to help both children and families overcome barriers and develop essential digital skills.”

Lauren McKenzie, ambassador for the HFD Charitable Foundation, said: “The Digitots programme is a fantastic initiative introducing children to technology, while also equipping their families with the confidence to embrace digital services and tools. Rosemount Lifelong Learning is creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact.

At the HFD Charitable Foundation, we’re proud to support projects like this that make a real difference in communities and help to bridge the digital divide.”

The Building Digital Skills fund builds on a successful partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation, which saw the Community Anchors’ Fund Glasgow deliver over £1 million to Glasgow-based community groups and charities between 2020-2023.

Nancy Doyle-Hall, executive director at the Virgin Money Foundation, added: “Ensuring that people have access to technology is essential for children as well as adults. It helps them to develop skills they will need as they go through the education system and beyond.

The Digitots initiative is a brilliant programme and we are delighted to support Rosemount Lifelong Learning to launch this initiative through the Building Digital Skills Fund.”