Screens with Purpose

Why We Think Carefully About Technology at The Villa

At The Villa, we are proud to be preparing children not just for the next stage of education, but for life beyond the classroom — a future that will undoubtedly be shaped by rapid technological change and artificial intelligence. Precisely because of this, we think very carefully about when and how children are introduced to screens and technology.

Recent reporting by BBC News has highlighted growing national concern about the impact of excessive screen use on young children, particularly in the early years. Research cited points to links between high levels of screen exposure and poorer language development, reduced opportunities for conversation, and fewer chances to develop the social and emotional skills that underpin lifelong learning.

This research strongly echoes our own professional experience — and it reinforces why our approach at The Villa is intentional, measured and rooted in child development.

Our Core Belief: Developing the Whole Child Comes First

At the heart of our philosophy is a simple but powerful principle:before children become confident users of technology, they must first become confident people.

We place a strong emphasis on developing the whole child, with particular focus on:

• Emotional development

• Resilience

• Self-regulation

• Empathy and communication

• A strong growth mindset

These are not “soft skills”. They are the very capabilities that research shows children will need most in a future shaped by technology and AI — where adaptability, emotional intelligence, problem-solving and human connection will matter more than ever.

Nursery: Why We Choose Real-Life Experiences Over Screens

In our Nursery, we have made a clear and deliberate choice: we do not use screens with our youngest children.

This decision is not about demonising technology. It is about recognising that early childhood is a critical window for development, during which children learn best through:

• Face-to-face interaction

• Talk, storytelling and shared conversation

• Physical play and movement

• Exploration, creativity and sensory experiences

• Strong, responsive relationships with adults and peers

Research increasingly shows that high levels of screen use can crowd out these essential experiences. At this age, children need real voices, real reactions and real relationships — not digital substitutes.

By prioritising play, communication and connection, we are laying the foundations for emotional wellbeing, secure attachments and confident learning behaviours.

In the School: Building Minds and Bodies, Not Dependency on Devices

As children move into the School, our philosophy remains consistent. We do not rely on individual devices or tablets for learning. Instead, we prioritise active, embodied and talk-rich learning.

This includes:

• Kinesthetic learning, where children learn through doing, making and moving

• Collaborative discussion, reasoning and problem-solving

• Hands-on exploration across subjects

• Explicit teaching of resilience, effort and reflection

We know that children who can persevere, reflect on mistakes and approach challenges with confidence are far better equipped to engage meaningfully with technology later on.

Preparing Children for a Tech-Focused, AI-Driven Future

We are very clear: screens have a place in society, and technology will be an inevitable part of our children’s futures. We do not fear this — and we do not pretend it doesn’t exist.

However, we believe that the order matters.

By prioritising character development, emotional literacy, resilience and growth mindset first, we are ensuring that when screens and technology do become a larger part of children’s lives, they are approached with:

• Confidence rather than dependency

• Curiosity rather than passivity

• Discernment rather than overuse

• Strong emotional regulation and self-awareness

These foundations allow children not just to use technology, but to navigate it wisely and responsibly.

Screens with Purpose, Not by Default

Our guiding principle at The Villa is simple:technology should enhance learning, not replace childhood.

We use screens thoughtfully and purposefully where appropriate, but we are intentional about protecting time for play, talk, movement and connection — because these experiences shape who children become.

By putting emotional wellbeing and character development first, we are giving our pupils something far more powerful than early screen proficiency:the skills to thrive as humans in a rapidly changing digital world.