Provide laptops and Wi-Fi to ensure all pupils have equal access to online learning at home - during the pandemic and beyond
by Anita Sharman on behalf of Milverton Primary School in Leamington Spa, England, United Kingdom
We want ensure that every child in our school has the technology they need to learn - not just in the short term if they are unable to attend school because they are self isolating, but also in the longer term to be able to participate in the online learning that is now integral to primary school homework - we want all children to be able to engage in home learning to try and close that gap.
Milverton School has gone over and above to ensure students have access to education during the pandemic. But students with easy access to online learning (e.g. sole use of a laptop and quality Wi-Fi) have a significant advantage over their peers.
Research by RS Assessment published in November 2020 has shown a huge drop in educational attainment over the nine months of the pandemic, with the drop being largest in Primary Education and particularly for those children who attract Pupil Premium Funding.
The digital divide is real and we do not want a single one of our pupils to suffer due to an easily solvable problem like access to a laptop and wi-fi.
There’s a long winter ahead and schools are making contingency plans in case bubbles have to self-isolate and be educated at home. The school is purchasing a bank of Chromebooks and dongles that can be lent to pupils urgently for those who are self-isolating.
Can you help us?
Our aim is that ALL children in our school should have access to technology - during the pandemic and beyond.
A donation of £20 would help fund wi-fi for a pupil for a whole month, while donations of £200 or more could fund a laptop.
We know that times are hard for families but even a smaller donation of just £5 could make a real difference - it all adds up.
This project offers rewards in return for your donation.