Concern as government slashes laptops for disadvantaged Peterborough pupils; hundreds more eligible for free school meals

The Government has slashed the number of laptops available for ‘digitally disadvantaged’ pupils in Peterborough.
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The national laptop scheme which was launched to provide access to ICT equipment for those pupils has been criticised, with Schools Week noting that although the Government has delivered more than 100,000 laptops since September, the new system means schools will now only be able to claim around 20 per cent of what they have been allocated.

The change in approach has been criticised by some education leaders as many children learn from home due to Covid-19.

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Now, a report submitted to members of Peterborough City Council’s Children and Education Scrutiny Committee by service director for education Jonathan Lewis states: “Maintained schools in Peterborough were originally allocated access to 962 laptops in the scenario where there were children who were unable to access learning remotely.

The number of laptops for 'digitally disadvantaged' pupils in Peterborough has been slashedThe number of laptops for 'digitally disadvantaged' pupils in Peterborough has been slashed
The number of laptops for 'digitally disadvantaged' pupils in Peterborough has been slashed

“Following a review by government, this number has been reduced to 381. We are trying to establish the rationale behind this change, especially in light of the high deprivation in Peterborough. Schools can claim laptops where they meet certain criteria.”

The decision has drawn concern from MP for North West Cambridgeshire Shailesh Vara, who told the Peterborough Telegraph: “The reduction in access to laptops is huge and we need to know the thinking behind this.

“In the modern technological age, particularly in the present circumstances, it is vital that those children who need it are able to get online education.”

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The Department for Education and MP for Peterborough Paul Bristow have both been approached for comment.

Meanwhile, the report has revealed there have been an additional 620 applications free school meals for children in Peterborough since March.

Across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough the figure is 2,398.

The issue has hit the headline in recent weeks thanks to a campaign by Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford to have the scheme for eligible children continued over half term, although this was rejected by the Government and voted down by Conservative MPs.

Meanwhile, the rising demand for pupils to be home educated has meant the city council has a “shortage of capacity to process all the applications and make contact with parents”.

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The report notes: “Cambridgeshire has seen over 250 requests for EHE (Elective Home Education) and Peterborough will be over 100.

“In both local authorities this is around a 400 per cent increase on previous years.

“Over half of applications cite Covid-19 as their rationale to remove children from school. A bid will be made to the MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) Covid-19 fund to make sure we have enough capacity to support this important function.

“We also have pressure on transport and will be adding additional resource to ensure we meet our statutory duties.”

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Another worrying aspect is the stress being placed on senior staff due to the pandemic.

The report added: “The stress being placed on education leaders (especially headteachers) is significant.

“The relentless nature of new government expectations coupled with the additional work from Covid-19 is leading to staff absence. We have worked with headteacher groups to provide additional support.”