More than 270 reconditioned laptops and 30 mobile phones have been delivered to children across Dorset to help them with online learning.
Since lockdown began, Dorset Council IT services have been updating old, disused laptops and working with schools to get them to pupils who do not have a laptop at home, to ensure everyone can access online learning and continue their education during COVID-19 home-schooling. The council also bought 30 mobile phones to help young people in care have video contact with their parents and friends. Our volunteer group, Dorset Digital Champions, have also been helping young people and their families use the equipment provided.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said:
“We’ve been overwhelmed with requests from school and children’s services staff for laptops to help children study.
“Not every child has things like laptops and we’re doing everything we can to make sure Dorset pupils have equal access to devices and the internet, so they can continue their learning at home during these unusual times. Our IT staff have done a terrific job so far with the old, disused council equipment, making sure we support our young learners and also help them stay in contact with family and friends.”
Following the recent government announcement that it would also provide IT support for year 10 students and those with social care needs, the council has also put in in an order for 1,000 additional laptops to support more children and young people.
How do people apply to borrow a laptop? Do they contact the Council or ask the school in the first instance? Thank you
Hi Sally, please can you discuss your needs with the school – we’re working directly with children’s services and schools. Thanks, K
I have 3 old laptops that don’t work. You may be able to do something with them. Not sure if you are looking for these things any longer. Can you let me know how I go about getting them to you, if you are interested or how I dispose of them if you aren’t. Many thanks
My child is trying to do some home learning on my smart phone, however it is so small we both can’t see the print very well, plus he wears glasses.
I would be very grateful if we had access to another device.
Hi Susan, this is being arranged directly with schools. Please can you contact your son’s school and they should be able to help. Thanks, K
I have a laptop which I would like to donate for children at school or at home. BBC have been pushing this but there is no info locally about who to contact.
Someone in our local neighbourhood group gave me this link.
Please let me know how I can get this to you.
Are laptops or tablets still needed by school children in need? If so, how do you donate one?
I want to donate one too but can’t find relevant information
I have an old laptop that might be of use, who should I contact?
I have laptop and tablets
Are you accepting donations of laptops? I have some they just need to be securely wiped of all data .
I have 2 lap tops to donate to local schools if you still need them.
where can I donate a laptop for schools
Do you have a program for receiving donated laptops in current lockdown?
I have an old laptop that might be of use, who should I contact?
Dorchester Dorset
I have a Laptop I would like to donate for the schools or children learning at home. There is no information as to how to do this in our local area, who do we go to please?
Good morning,I have a laptop and an iPad to donate just need to be securely wiped
Where can I donate