Disadvantaged children across Kirklees to receive laptops to support their learning

Vulnerable children across Kirklees are receiving free computers to help them with their education and learning.
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Kirklees Council is delivering around 1,300 laptops to eligible children and young people, including children with a social worker, young carers, children whose families receive certain benefits, care leavers and disadvantaged school pupils who are due to take GCSEs next year.

In addition, 200 4G routers are being provided to support pupils who currently can’t get online when they are at home.

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Councillor Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said: “There are many families who don’t have a laptop and there are many children who can’t access the internet at home. They rely on the facilities at their school, but most pupils have been at home since March and as a result they are missing out.

A boy does a mathematics exercise on a laptop during home schooling (Photo by VIRGINIE via Getty Images)A boy does a mathematics exercise on a laptop during home schooling (Photo by VIRGINIE via Getty Images)
A boy does a mathematics exercise on a laptop during home schooling (Photo by VIRGINIE via Getty Images)

“We are determined to tackle inequality of any kind and the last few months have truly highlighted that digital inequality is an issue. Providing this equipment will be a great boost to disadvantaged learners and support them to aspire and achieve just like their peers.”

The council has secured the equipment through a government scheme. The aim is to make sure vulnerable children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to learn away from school and achieve better long-term outcomes.

Coun Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said: “Kirklees schools have done a wonderful job in providing distance learning and other online support during the Covid-19 pandemic. They introduced new systems almost overnight and have continued making a real difference in thousands of lives.

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“Pupils without a laptop or easy access to the internet have not had the same opportunities, so we are pleased to be helping so many children and families. We are supporting our young people to have the best start in life and fulfil their potential.”

The council has worked with schools and other organisations to identify which children are eligible for the scheme and have the greatest need. Hundreds of devices have already been delivered, with many more to follow.