Shropshire Star

Hundreds more laptops to be given to children learning from home in Telford

Hundreds more laptops will be given to support children learning from home in Telford and Wrekin.

Published
Last updated

The borough council is extending its Laptops for Learning scheme, which was launched last year to support children who have fallen between the gaps of the national scheme.

Around 350 laptops have already been provided by the council to children who don’t have a computer at home, so they can take part in online work.

However, a recent survey among borough schools shows that many more devices are urgently needed.

The council is now aiming to supply, in partnership with schools, at least another 400 laptops to children who currently have no such device at home for learning.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to get involved and help to achieve this target if they can.

People can donate old, in good working condition laptops, which the council will trade to cover the cost of new devices.

Financial contributions can also be given and people are encouraged to donate at gofund.me/13862c8b

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for children, young people, education and lifelong learning said: “During this lockdown, more children in our borough struggle to learn from home.

"We want to do everything possible to help them so, in partnership with schools, we are extending our Laptops for Learning scheme and will be urgently providing more devices to schools.

“To help as many children as possible, we are asking residents and businesses to please get involved, either by donating old laptops or by making a financial contribution, however small.

"All these will help us buy and deliver new devices to all those children who find it so difficult to keep up with their learning without them.

“A number of borough businesses have already come forward to support with considerable donations, we would like to thank all who have contributed so far and we hope many more will join our efforts.”

The council is also working with schools and children’s services to help children in need with a winter coat and shoes to keep warm.

The authority also offers February half-term vouchers to cover food costs for families registered on free school meals or early years support, as well as free breakfast boxes.

Details on other support schemes for families and residents are available at www.telford.gov.uk/coronavirus/support

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.