Elly Yates-Roberts |
Microsoft is providing disadvantaged young people in England with laptops and tablets through the Get Help with Technology scheme, which is part of a £126 million UK Government programme to help improve access to devices and education.
The initiative aims to help a variety of children – including those with social workers, those who are leaving care and those who are unable to attend school or college due to Covid-19 – to continue learning and remain in contact with support networks. Children who have recently arrived from Afghanistan will also be supported through this programme, helping them to adjust to life in England.
Government figures show that around 415,000 state school pupils were affected by Covid-19, resulting in children missing out on education since they had limited or no access to devices.
“While nothing will fully replicate the classroom environment, it’s vital that pupils who are unable to attend lessons are able to continue their learning at home,” said Chris Rothwell, director of education for Microsoft UK. “We have joined the Get Help with Technology initiative to ensure that young people have powerful, safe and secure devices they can use to connect with their friends, teachers and support networks.”
REAch2 Academy Trust has already benefitted from this scheme having received 4,090 laptops through Get Help with Technology, all of which are managed using Microsoft Azure.
“Used alongside Microsoft Teams and Office 365, children will be able to access cloud-based curriculum resources and online research,” said Adele Kane, head of IT at REAch2. “We chose Microsoft devices so we could manage and secure them with filtering, safeguarding and virus protection. We believe technology can enhance educational outcomes. It can provide alternative ways to support educational needs, break down barriers and support inclusion.”
Ribblesdale High School in Clitheroe, Lancashire, has also benefitted from the scheme.
“It’s really important that every pupil has access to the right technology,” said Paul Edge, the school’s deputy headteacher. “We chose Microsoft because young people will use their platform as they move forward into their future careers, so it’s important to give them those digital skills and that experience now. Microsoft Teams helps our pupils stay connected to their friends and teachers, and because they will use the devices at home and in the classroom, they will experience a seamless learning experience.”