More than 900 laptops available for disadvantaged students in Northumberland

Over 900 devices will be loaned to year 10 pupils, care leavers and children who have a social worker in Northumberland in order to support their home learning needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Identified by staff at Northumberland County Council and in local schools, these students will now be able to access digital learning and online resources for the first time since lockdown, ensuring they do not miss out.

Coun Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “This will be a welcome relief to these children and their families.

"Online access will open the doors to a wider bank of learning for them, and will help them successfully continue on their educational journey during what we know is a difficult time for all.”

He added: “Schools have already worked closely with these pupils, but recognise the difficulties they faced when it came to accessing more. We are pleased the government made this pledge to support those most disadvantaged, and we look forward to hearing about how it has helped.

“We are committed to supporting the digital learning needs of our county's students, and because of this we are linking into £205,000 of funding available through the North of Tyne combined authority to supply more equipment, including dongles - further investing in our children's futures.”

The devices include Microsoft laptops, Chromebooks and tablets and will be on loan until education returns to normal.

Cath McEvoy-Carr, the county council’s executive director for adult and children’s services, said: “Our teams have been working hard to ensure those most disadvantaged benefit from these devices.

“We appreciate the difficulties faced by many families in our county, and will continue to work with our schools to ensure needs are met,” she added.

Should you wish to find out more about education in the county during Covid-19 head to www.northumberland.gov.uk/coronavirus/Northumberland-schools

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