Sheffield pupils missing education because of “extremely slow delay” with Government laptops

The Department for Education is providing laptops and tablets to help pupils access online school work and classes but there’s been a lengthy delay delivering them.

Green councillor Angela Argenzio said “Disadvantaged children, who are the most likely to not have access to devices, risk losing a whole half term of education.

“There’s been talk about a second wave since last April and over the last few months we have seen infection rates increase but the DfE has failed to deliver on its promises.

“There are nationwide reports that only a fraction of laptops have been delivered to some schools.

“We want to know what the picture is here in Sheffield so the council can assess what needs to be done to ensure no child is left behind with school closures.”

Coun Argenzio also said some pupils had limited data. “Many people are dependent on pay-as-you-go or basic monthly mobile phone subscriptions that only include a small data allowance.

“The software used to live-stream classes can consume a lot of data. The government really needs to step up and make sure that no child loses out on an education due to not having suitable technology at home.”

Coun Abtisam Mohamed, Cabinet member for education, said the council was quickly doing an audit with schools to establish demand.

“We recognise that this isn’t just about hardware, it’s about connectivity and digital inclusion in areas where we know that many families will be struggling.

“The government has offered laptops to schools but this has been extremely slow to get off the ground and we’ve had many complaints from schools that it can take months for an order to materialise. This isn’t good enough.

“Learning shouldn’t be about having access to appropriate tools. We are working really hard to address this as fast as we possibly can.

“We want to make sure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds in particular are not disproportionately impacted by school closures.”

In September last year, the Laptops for Kids campaign was launched by The Star, WANdisco and Learn Sheffield, and seeks to supply recycled devices to young people who currently have no access.

The devices, which also provide young people with safe internet access, have recently started being distributed to schools via Learn Sheffield.

Visit www.LTFK.co.uk to arrange a donation.

READ MORE:

- A 2020 summary of how the Laptops for Kids campaign is helping Sheffield’s next generation

- Sheffield MP calls on the Government to provide an ‘urgent’ response to the 5,000 youngsters in Sheffield still without a laptop

- Why a laptop campaign is making a ‘real difference’ to Sheffield’s disadvantaged children

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.