MP hails additional rollout of laptops to help youngsters
SOUTH Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler has welcomed a Government announcement that a further 300,000 laptops and tablets will be delivered to schools in England to help disadvantaged children learning from home due to the pandemic.
The Department for Education said the boost brings the total number of laptops and tablets being made available for pupils to 1.3 million, amid concerns many lack a suitable device in order to study remotely.
Students in schools and colleges in England – except children of key workers and vulnerable pupils – have been told to learn at home until mid-february due to tighter restrictions. Over 100,000 laptops and tablets were delivered last week alone, according to the department, which said that three-quarters of a million devices are expected to have been delivered by the end of this week. According to estimates from
Ofcom, between 1.14 million and 1.78 million children in the UK (9%) do not have home access to a laptop, desktop or tablet.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I know just how difficult the past year has been for parents and teachers. I want nothing more than for every child to be in the classroom with their friends and teachers, but with that not possible we are doing everything in our power to support schools with highquality remote education.”
Mrs Wheeler said: “After the difficult decision was taken to close schools and colleges I welcome the governments commitment to ensure every child receives the highest quality of education.
“By ensuring they have access to devices and internet it will help guarantee this. The BBC has also put on some fantastic resources on the BBC and their new TV hours including BBC bitesize lessons are a great help.”