York Kids Receive Laptops

1,200 laptops and tablets have been distributed to York's disadvantaged children, figures show.

07:59 20 April 2021

Recent figures released by the Department for Education have revealed that 1,199 laptops and tablets have been sent to public schools in the City of York as part of the Get Help with Technology scheme, which aims to help disadvantaged young people during the pandemic. 

 

Javed Khan, the charity's chief executive, said: "Barnardo's partnered with Vodafone on the Great British Tech Appeal, to deliver laptops and data bundles to families forced to decide between feeding their children, heating their homes and paying for essential data.

 

“Now we would urge the Government to establish a clear strategy, working with local agencies, charities, and corporate partners, to eliminate digital poverty in the very near future. This is central to ‘levelling up’ opportunities for all.”

 

The devices have been proven to play a crucial role in ensuring children have access to education and social care during the pandemic. The number of laptops and tablets allocated for schools was based on the number of children eligible for free school meals and using an estimate of devices the school and children already have.