Pupils benefit from laptops arranged by new group

A FUSION of technology, community spirit and a willingness to help has seen a Wokingham-based start-up help provide 20 laptops to a school.

Lets Localise, a social initiative that aims to help the learning establishments team up with local communities, launched an appeal to help get the IT equipment to Theale Green School. The resulting kit is now helping pupils access online resources while the schools are in lockdown.

The team found four companies – Redstor, Social Dimensions, AVR International and A to Z Fresh – willing to help.

Jo Halliday, Headteacher at Theale Green School said, “We know that the barrier to online learning for some of our students is lack of IT facilities in the home, so we put out a plea on our new platform and we have been thrilled to find that local companies have been keen to help.

“This has made a real difference to these students and we are very grateful for the support that has been offered.”

The school is one of seven able to use LetsLocalise’s website to let people know of its needs.

Co-founder Gaurav Garg said that once this has been received, the team then take the appeals to the community, going beyond the school’s parent network, to fulfil that request.

“We then go out to the local community, to local organisations and businesses and urge them to register, look at what their local schools need and see where they can help most.

“This is not just about financial support. We want people with skills, expertise and spare time to go into schools to share experiences and volunteer effort.

“We know that many companies want to help local communities in the most effective way but often don’t know how. What could be better than helping out a local school and building a long-term relationship with that school?”

And the scheme helps companies fulfil their corporate social responsibility budgets.

Now Theale Green is preparing to present its incoming Year 7 pupils with an inspirational book ahead of the new school year.

Ms Halliday said: “Thanks to the generosity of the community, we are going to able to give all of our newYear 7 students a brilliant book called You’re Awesome byMatthew Syed.

“The move between years is going to look very different for both students and teachers this year, and we have really enjoyed live webinars, videos made by our staff and students, road maps and lots more to help our Year 6s make the best possible start in September.”

The school is now planning an online quiz on Sunday, July 12, starting at 6.30pm.

The 45-minute family-friendly event will include 100 questions looking at general knowledge, sciences, technology, and English, among others.

Entries should be registered online by Friday, July 10.

For more details, or to sign up, log on to: bit.ly/ThealeGreenBigQuiz