Last week, while watching news reports of weather warnings and more house price gloom, I was happily transported back to my childhood by a clip of Mickey Mouse, who has celebrated his 80th birthday. Did you know he was nearly called Mortimer? Apparently, not long before his black and white cinema screen debut, Mrs Disney declared that that was too stuffy a name, so she and Walt opted for Mickey instead.
Anyhow, later that day I saw him again - though this time in gaudy colour, smirking at me as a painted mural in the window of a daycare centre I was visiting. It struck me just how sad it is that settings rely on cartoon characters to jazz up their premises. Isn't their presence an intrusion rather than a cheerful welcome? A lazy nod to being child-centric, rather than a signifier of real quality? I think they can actually detract from a nursery's own branding and lessen kerb appeal, especially if they are a little worse for weathering. Surely children would benefit more from natural light and a better view of the outside world?
As I was let in to the centre, I heard the blare of a cartoon from the nearby toddler room. I've witnessed my fair share of TVs playing to little ones staring agog at the screen in a variety of settings. It never fails to depress me.
I know there are no specific guidelines outlawing the use of TVs within early years settings, but I'd like a ban. Yes, you can argue that they aren't inherently 'bad' and programmes can be educational. I've seen some DVDs specifically made for early years that claim to communicate complex ideas in an age-appropriate way, supporting role play and extending learning. But mostly I see cartoons being shown to help lull children to sleep or keep them hypnotised while the staff take breaks. Really, is there anything you can achieve using a TV that you can't do better by other means?
There is no doubt that cartoons can be a lot of fun, a great way to entertain, and even educational in their place. But is that place a nursery? As professionals, I think it's important to think long and hard about the role of TV and electronic media within your setting. And maybe some things are just better enjoyed at home.
Derek Hayes is a senior consultant/trainer for the Childcare Consultancy. For information e-mail info@childcareconsult.co.uk.
