Postcode plan for free computers

The scheme is being funded by 1 million of Government cash, and will be targeted at the city’s most deprived areas.

Young people to benefit from the Computers for Pupils programme will usually be eligible for free school meals, and allocations will be made on the basis of home addresses.

As a result Firth Park will get more than 200 computers, while Bradfield will get just one. Students will be loaned computers, which remain the property of the school, for as long as they are pupils there.

“This is a really good example of us putting our money where our mouth is,“ said Coun Harry Harpham, cabinet member for children’s services.

“I'm determined that every young person in Sheffield should get a fair chance and receive the best possible opportunities to make a good life for themselves.”

The aim of the scheme is to bridge what is known as the ‘digital divide’ - whereby children in poor homes may not have access to computers or the internet.

It is hoped by giving such youngsters the same opportunities as their peers, educational standards can be raised and the gap between different areas of the city narrowed.

The project will also help introduce personalised learning programmes, enabling pupils to learn at home or wherever is appropriate.