Call for more digital support to aid disadvantaged pupils during lockdown

Government plans to provide pupils with laptops and tablets is eligible for disadvantaged children in year 10, ahead of GCSEs next year, needs to extend to "other age groups," according to Geoff Barton, from the association of school and college leaders (ASCL).

Mr Barton, the ASCL general secretary, said while he welcomed the Government's announcement it didn't go far enough to support the education of disadvantaged children during lockdown.

“The biggest challenge is the digital divide between rich and poor children which leaves a significant number of young people from disadvantaged homes unable to access online resources," he said.

“We welcome the government scheme to provide laptops and tablets to disadvantaged year 10 pupils who are in this position, but this needs to be extended to other age groups too".

Mr Barton said many schools across Yorkshire and the country are sourcing laptops for disadvantaged youngsters themselves.

He called for a government scheme on a national basis for all pupils who do not have online access

"It would be hugely beneficial," he said.

Mr Barton's comments come after the Government announced a raft of measures to ensure children have access to education as the nationwide lockdown runs into a second school term.

This includes the launch of the Oak National Academy, an online learning tool this week.

It has been created by 40 teachers across the country to provide 180 classes for children from reception age to year 10 across a range of subjects including maths, arts and languages.

The Government is also set to provide computers and 4G routers to disadvantaged children across the country – with the Department for Education prioritising care leavers, those who have an assigned social worker and disadvantaged year 10 pupils due to sit their GCSEs next year.

Becca Lyon, Save the Children's head of child poverty, said additional online support for all children to continue their learning will help many, but those without access to the internet will still be missing out.

She said: "Extending router availability to the families of younger children in poverty will ensure children continue to learn at a critical point in their development."

It comes after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced that no date had been set for re-opening schools in England.

He said: “Schools will remain closed until the scientific advice changes, which is why we need to support the incredible work teachers are already doing to ensure children continue to receive the education they deserve and need.

“By providing young people with these laptops and tablets and enabling schools to access high quality support, we will enable all children to continue learning now and in the years to come.

"We hope this support will take some of the pressure off both parents and schools by providing more materials for them to use.”

The move follows on from other nations where the state has offered resources to support distanced learning to ensure a generation does not fall behind in its studies due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Barton added: “The work that is going on across the country to support young people while they are at home during the coronavirus emergency is remarkable and we would like to thank teachers for their incredible commitment and professionalism".

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