5,000 Wiltshire Pupils Receive Laptops

Wiltshire pupils receive laptops and tablets during the pandemic.

07:03 27 April 2021

Thousands of laptops and tablets were distributed to disadvantaged pupils in Wiltshire during the pandemic to help them with their school work. The scheme is part of the Government's Get Help with Technology project that aims to aid learning at home. 

 

According to the report, a total of 1,538 devices were given to students in Swindon while the rest of Wiltshire received 3,458 in the period up to April 8. In addition, 4G wireless routers were also given to the local councils to help families with limited internet access. 

 

A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: “It’s important that all children have access to a digital device at times when they need to learn remotely. The laptops and tablets provided to the schools will help to ensure that children can continue to learn when they are unable to do so in the classroom, which has been particularly important throughout the pandemic.

 

“The laptops also have the added benefit of giving the children access to online resources outside of school time."

 

However, the Government was criticised because the distribution of gadgets has been "painfully slow". 

 

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The government has been promising for months that it would deliver 1.3 million laptops to schools and we are now tantalisingly close to seeing that target achieved.

 

“We do not underestimate the scale of the government’s logistical operation, but the truth is they were slow to react in the first place, slow to get started, and progress since has been painfully slow.”