Laptop boost to hundreds of disadvantaged youngsters in Swindon

The Department for Education has provided the authority with 794 laptops for disadvantaged families, children and young adults who do not currently have access to them through another source, such as their school.

The digital devices have been distributed to youngsters identified by the council and education providers. This includes care leavers, children and young people aged 0 to 19, or young children’s families with a social worker and disadvantaged year 10 students.

For those recipients without internet access, they will have received, in addition to their laptop, a 4G wireless router to help them get online.

The laptops will enable families, children and young adults to access educational resources and online learning. The scheme will also enable children and young people to communicate with their school or social worker.

Most of the devices have already been delivered to eligible children via their education provider.

Cllr Russell Holland, deputy leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Commercialisation, Education and Skills, said: “During the pandemic, remote learning and access to online resources has become particularly important for young people and their families.

“Now that the summer holidays are here, we hope that the delivery of these laptops will help to connect disadvantaged young people, children and families with their social workers, while providing them with an equal opportunity to continue their learning away from school.”

Young people aged 16 to 19 without a suitable device for educational purposes may be eligible for support through the Government’s 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. To find out about eligibility visit www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund.