JUST under 50 laptops have been donated to local primaries in Coventry to help disadvantaged pupils with their home learning.
Coventry Building Society delivered the devices to Coventry City Council, which has divided the repurposed laptops among 18 primary schools.
Head teachers across the city have greatly welcomed the donation on behalf of families struggling to provide suitable devices for their children.
Jo Stanley, headteacher of Little Heath Primary School, Coventry, said: “These laptops will really support our children who have struggled to continue their online learning through a parent’s phone.
“We have many children and parents who really want to continue their learning to a good standard but do not have the equipment. This will keep children engaged in learning as well as communication with us. Thank you, Coventry Building Society.”
Jen Goode, headteacher of Longford Park Primary School, said: “I wish I could have videoed our families’ responses when I telephoned them to say that we have devices available.
“As a school we have 65 children in receipt of free school meals and many more disadvantaged families. Throughout the lockdown, more and more families are struggling who previously hadn’t, and this gift of devices is very much welcomed so that the children can access their daily online learning and entitlement to an education during these difficult days. Simply thank you on behalf of my school.”
The society had computers that were no longer suitable for corporate use. The council was happy to accept the Society’s donation, while IT solutions provider SCC agreed to wipe the devices’ storage for a safe donation.
Anna Cuskin, at Coventry Building Society, said: “While we haven’t been able to provide many of our usual programmes to support schools, this was a way we could help children keep up with their education, and we know from headteachers that these laptops have already made a real difference.”
Coun Kevin Maton,said: “I thank Coventry Building Society for their generous donation which I can see is already having a positive impact.”
