Laptops and other devices for online learning
The government has announced that additional support will be available for disadvantaged children (including year 10 GCSE students) across England. Children will have the use of laptops or tablets as part of a push to make remote education accessible for pupils staying at home during the coronavirus outbreak.
Schools will be able to apply to order devices for children in the most vital stages of their education, particularly those who receive support from a social worker, and care leavers. The government has said they will also “provide 4G routers to make sure disadvantaged secondary school pupils and care leavers can access the internet – where those families do not already have mobile or broadband internet in the household.”
The country’s major telecommunications providers will also make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.
To find out if you would be able to get the use of a laptop for your child, please contact your child’s school and ask if they could apply for a device for them.
Additional remote education resources
The Oak National Academy, which launched on Monday 20 April, will support schools delivering remote education. This brand-new enterprise has been created by 40 teachers from some of the leading schools across England. It is backed by government grant funding. It will provide 180 video lessons each week, across a broad range of subjects from maths, to art and languages, for every year group from Reception through to Year 10.
The Government has published a list of high-quality resources for online learning to support students and their parents or guardians. These can found here. There is also information for parents and guardians about their children’s education and development at home here.
The BBC is also launching its own education package across TV and online, featuring celebrities and some of the best teachers – helping to keep children learning and supporting parents.
The BBC also has an SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) Toolkit with lots of resources, activities and support to help you and your family during lockdown.
You can find more information about this help and support that is available here.
If you need advice about these or any other matters as a Kinship Carer, please contact Grandparents Plus advice service or you can call us on 0300 123 7015 Monday to Friday 9.30 am – 3.30 pm and Tuesday and Thursday 8 pm to 9.30 pm.
