TEN laptop computers are being supplied to three Warrington schools that have a number of families struggling to access technology .
The schools – Birchwood Primary, Meadowside Primary and Beamont Collegiate Academy – were nominated by Warrington Asda stores.
Each laptop will come with a technology bungle to support ongoing home learning.
Asda launched this initiative to support schools in its communities that are struggling because of digital exclusion. According to Ofcom, around nine per cent of children in the UK – between 1.1 million and 1.8 million – do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home. These children are primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds and at risk of falling further behind with their education.
Each laptop comes with a bundle that includes a headset and a mobile internet dongle with a data allowance of 20gb from Asda’s network partner Vodafone. The dongle and data allowance has been funded by a separate £500,000 contribution from the retailer’s charity arm, The Asda Foundation. Laptops will also include a one-year warranty and technical support. Each school will manage the distribution to priority pupils, and Asda’s in-house IT support team will also provide support to any school that needs help to set up the equipment.
Asda community champion Liz Cotterill, said: “I’ve a really close relationship with the schools and I know what a massive difference this donation is going to make to the schools on receiving these laptops. “
