Waite.EYTS

08/09/2026

Ignoring Cyber Security Risks in your settings not only could cost you a fine by the ICO, but if a serious Digital Safeguarding incident occurred in your nursery involving children, it could cost you your OFSTED registration. The Government's National Cyber Security Centre has put this infographic together to guide you in what you should be doing to protect yourselves. your parents and your children.

for further information check out the link below:

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-practitioners-using-cyber-security-to-protect-your-settings

06/09/2026

If you are a nursery owner, leader or a nursery manager, I want to help you to be proactive, rather than reactive, in relation to Cyber Security, Data Sovereignty and Data Protection, in your setting at the start of the new term.

Over the coming days, I will post information to get you off the ground running, with tips and advice.

The posts will compliment a new series I am writing for Nursery World, on this essential part of nursery operations, that has historically been seen, by nurseries and the early years sector as a nice to have if we have time.

Unfortunately thinking that way could lead you in trouble and in breach of a number of compliance regulations with Ofsted to and the Information Commissioners Office ICO, in terms of Safeguarding, including a fine.

Checkout my first article in this series in the link below and keep an eye out for the rest over the coming months!

19/08/2026

If you enjoy what I do, consider supporting me! Every little bit means the world!

Become a supporter of Waite.EYTS today!

16/08/2026

Online Safety Expert Karl Hopwood and I share some tips on how to manage parent controls, for Internet Matters.org when you have more than one child of different ages.

https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/question/managing-parental-controls-for-different-ages/

It is always an honour to write for Internet Matters to keep the conversation around Online Safety in the home current and offer the support parents desperately need, especially when the Summer Holiday break is now in full flow.

Because we also need to be safe and stay indoors when the weather is too hot, we may be indoors more, and on devices. Don't forget board games and STEAM activities you can do also with your children, away from the screens.

Here is some further support:

One of the best at Parenting Advice Sue Atkins

https://lnkd.in/eNK5AFUx

Online Safety Book writer, Neha Agarwal has some six amazing books to read to children from 3 to 8 years old with

https://cybervedkids.com/

Finally check out Hugh Shepherd and the Liaura App keeping parental controls simple and easy for both parent and child to navigate and enjoy safely.

https://www.liaura.app/

You will need to copy and paste the links to access them.

12/08/2026

Online Safety Expert Karl Hopwood and I share some tips on how to manage parent controls, for Internet Matters.org, when you have more than one child of different ages.

It is always an honour to write for Internet Matters to keep the conversation around Online Safety in the home current and offer the support parents desperately need, especially when the Summer Holiday break is now in full flow.

https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/question/managing-parental-controls-for-different-ages/

Because we also need to be safe and stay indoors when the weather is too hot, we may be indoors more, and on devices. Don't forget board games and STEAM activities you can do also with your children, away from the screens.

Here is some further support:

One of the best at Parenting Advice Sue Atkins

https://lnkd.in/eNK5AFUx

Online Safety Book writer, Neha Agarwal has some six amazing books to read to children from 3 to 8 years old with

https://cybervedkids.com/

Finally check out Hugh Shepherd and the Liaura App keeping parental controls simple and easy for both parent and child to navigate and enjoy safely.

https://www.liaura.app/

You will need to copy and paste the links to view.

01/08/2026

What does positive screen time look like, is it racy cartoons and animations that doesn't even allow children to stop for a minute reflect and have a discussion with parents or educators.

I am currently working with Conor Sexton the creator of Pawsitive Pugs and Pals along with Author and Education Expert Paula Walshe both from Ireland, as we look to show what positive Screen Time can look like.

Screen Time should always be followed by non screen adult to child engagement . Discuss what was watched and then come up with a a non screen based learning experience.

This is something I have been looking at for years. Screens and Technology are not bad they are tools like a hammer is a tool, if you don't use the hammer properly, the nail will bend or worse you bang your finger.

With all screens TV, Computer, Tablet or Smartphone , it's not the tool at fault it's the content or how it's delivered.

As Educators and or Parents look at your own screen use, as well as the children's how can you make it have a more positive impact.

I will let you know more about the project as it develops, maybe you could be part of one of our case studies!

In the meantime, tomorrow put your phone down, put on the TV with the little one and watch Pawsitive Pugs and Pals and then do an activity afterwards!

Let me know if you do 🙂 See less

18/06/2026

Yesterday I delivered one the most important webinars around screen time for young children, mainly aimed at Early Years Leaders and Educators!

At a time when people are slamming doors on screens, I'm sharing how when used right, the tool can actually enhance learning in all areas of early childhood development, with training and the correct guardrails in place.

focusing on the Intent + Implementation + Impact model.

"Screens don't create the learning experience; educators and children do."

https://kinderly.co.uk/event/richard-waite-screen-time-for-young-children/

18/06/2026

So it still feels like a pinch me moment, when Nancy Stewart from Birth to 5 Matters asked if I would join one of the working groups on the Birth to 5 Matters 2nd Edition, and that Digital Pedagogy was the group I was joining.

When you spend your life believing in something, despite what the negative noise says around you and then, your helping to write guidance notes, in an update of one of the most read and followed guidelines in Early Years, I'm still blown away when I think about it.

Now it will actually be here, soon.

16/06/2026

On my latest Early Years Tech Insights Newsletter on LinkedIn I dive into the recent plans by the Labour Government to Bna Social Media for under 16's by next spring.

Copy and paste the link below to read the article and while you are there why not sign up to my newsletter and get monthly Early Years Tech Insights, as the title says!

Waite.EYTS is always here to keep you informed on the latest in technology and early years!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/uk-under-16-social-media-ban-spring-2027-richard-waite-bsc-0vyde

14/05/2026

I am delivering three sessions at the Nursery World Big Day Out tomorrow.

AI Tools in a positive light, for Early Years

Showcasing Edtech Toys in Early Years

Online Safety & Data Sovereignty

Richard Waite is the founder of Waite.EYTS (Early Years Technology Services), specializing in innovative technology integration within early years education. With a BSc (Hons) in Information Management & Education Studies and a Cache NNEB diploma, Richard brings a unique blend of technical expertise...