Laptop scheme offers kids learning lifeline
MORE than 1,000 laptops are set to be distributed to disadvantaged children across the borough, offering them a ‘vital lifeline’ to continue home learning during the coronavirus pandemic.
Rochdale Borough Council has so far given out 949 laptops for children with social workers, and is arranging for the delivery of another 195 laptops for year 10 pupils.
It comes as part of a scheme funded by the Department of Education which agreed to provide technology and digital devices for families, children and young people who did not have access to them.
The scheme, which launched in April, was designed to support pupils who couldn’t attend school during the coronavirus lockdown but didn’t have a computer at home, and for digital studying during the summer.
All of Greater Manchester’s local authorities – except for Trafford council – have revealed how many laptops, tablets and routers they are handing out to their young residents, with the total across the nine boroughs standing at 11,000.
Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We have done quite a lot of work trying to narrow the gap between our children that are less fortunate and those that are more so, but quite a lot of our children don’t have access to a computer at home so unfortunately we’ve seen a lot of missed opportunities to continue that during this lockdown.
“Looking at school lessons through a phone screen is not conducive to making good progress. This is a great opportunity to keep supporting pupils from vulnerable homes.”
The devices have been distributed via the borough’s schools on the basis of a list drawn up by the council of the pupils determined to be in need of extra resources.
According to the council’s website, a child is eligible to receive a free laptop if they receive support from a social worker, are in Year 10 and had free school meals at any time in the last 6 years, or are a care leaver.
Coun Heakin added: “The families who have received these laptops have been extremely grateful having them really makes a big difference to the home and the whole family.
“I am very pleased that the government has delivered these laptops for our needy children.”