Justin Tomlinson MP has welcomed the latest announcements by the Government that a further 300,000 laptops and tablets will be provided, as part of the Governments Get Help with Technology Programme.
The scheme, which was set up to help disadvantaged children and young people learn at home, as well as ensure that all pupils have the right equipment to keep up with school work during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The welcome boost of 300,000 laptops, tablets and other computing equipment, takes the total number available for disadvantaged young people up to 1.3 million.
According to the Department of Education, over 700,000 laptops and tablets have been delivered to schools to date, with over 100,000 of these delivered in the last week alone. The vast majority of secondary schools have already received devices, schools that are yet to order devices can still do so.
The 300,000 devices equates to an increased investment of £100 million, meaning over £400 million will have been invested in supporting disadvantaged children and young people who need the most help with access to technology through the pandemic. The additional devices will support schools and colleges across England, with top-ups to their original allocation, offering further support to disadvantaged children. Device allocations have been made with the aim of prioritising those most in need. Schools being able to order even more devices, should they require them, will allow for more devices for these children if needed.
North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said:
“I welcome the Government reaffirming its commitment to this great initiative and ensuring no child is left behind in education because of the pandemic. Like many others, I am optimistic of the return to classrooms for all pupils when it is safe to do so, but in the meantime, it is crucial pupils/ students learning from home have our full support and the equipment they need.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
“These additional devices, on top of the 100,000 delivered last week, add to the significant support we are making available to help schools deliver high-quality online learning, as we know they have been doing.
Our guidance reflects the increased number of hours pupils should benefit from, and schools publishing their plans lets parents know that their children are not missing out on the great education they deserve.
The government will also today publish a remote education framework to support schools and colleges with delivering education for pupils who are learning from home. The frameworks will help them to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in the lessons and teaching they provide remotely, and points towards resources that can help them improve where needed.”
