The use of AI in early years education

ANNELIESE SMITH, EDUCATION PROJECT SPECIALIST, CCT The early years of a child’s education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, but for educators working in nurseries and early years settings, this can come with significant challenges. From designing developmentally appropriate lesson plans to completing detailed observations and administrative reports, the demands on early years professionals are substantial. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a valuable support tool, offering new ways to streamline planning and reduce administrative burden. As these digital technologies become more sophisticated and accessible, educators are starting to experiment with AI-driven applications and platforms that can save time while enhancing the quality of their teaching. This article will explore how AI is being adopted across early years settings, drawing on research and case studies from the education sector. It will highlight the types of tools being used, h