Nursery World Awards 2010: Resources - Three to Fives new launch

This set of six rechargeable torches is a versatile and easy-to-use resource.

With a two-hour battery life, easy-to-read battery-life indicators and a docking station which fully recharges the torches in up to four hours, they are ideal for use in early years settings and classrooms. Deputy headteacher Sue Martin says, 'As I have experienced the last-minute scrabble to find batteries ready for a class, I love the idea that I won't have to rush out to buy batteries the night before a lesson, or risk torches running out mid-investigation. Recharging batteries can be a very time- consuming and expensive process for large numbers of devices, but here all six torches can be charged together, saving lots of time.'

She often uses the torches for colour mixing experiments and adds, 'I was able to mix primary colours to produce secondary colours and pure white light, which is very difficult to do convincingly with ordinary torches. The intensity of the light produced makes it good for casting shadows.'

The torches have been designed so they can be used by early years children upwards. They are lightweight and easy to hold and to turn on and off. Jen Clarke from Kirkstead School in Derbyshire adds, 'The torches are attractive to look at and children in my class always want to investigate light and shadow with them.

'They produce a really bright light, which is fantastic during investigation time, as even in a bright room the torches produce the desired effect in class. The large switch makes it easy for the smallest hands to use them and even children with motor skills difficulties feel confident that they can work independently.'

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Willow Range, TTS Group

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CRITERION

Open to early years resources and equipment that support children's learning, development and enjoyment in the Early Years Foundation Stage. New launches should have first been offered for sale since January 2009.