Coronavirus: BGL £10k donation helps Peterborough children access online learning during pandemic

Peterborough Reads, a campaign to improve literacy levels in the city from the National Literacy Trust and Peterborough City Council, was able to provide 1,250 physical literacy packs to families who did not have reliable internet access while schools were closed. Each pack included a free book for each child in the family, stationery and several activity sheets.

The resources were translated for families whose first language is not English to help them support their children’s learning in the most accessible way. Peterborough Reads then worked with many local partners, including Peterborough City College and Barnardo’s children’s centres, to help identify children who would benefit most from the packs on offer.

During lockdown, approximately 700,000 children from the most disadvantaged communities in England did not have access to online learning at home due to a lack of computers and access to the internet.

Moreover, last year more than 36.4 per cent of 11-year-olds in Peterborough left primary school unable to read well, rising to more than one in two (52 per cent) for those on free school meals.

With school closures as a result of Covid-19 expected to widen this attainment gap, funding from BGL’s Empower, Pledge, Donate campaign enabled Peterborough Reads to provide children who are most at risk of falling behind with the resources they needed to learn from home.

Sally Atkinson, manager for Peterborough Reads, said: “Our response to the pandemic was very quick and within days of lockdown we’d set up a Facebook page and competitions to support children’s literacy at home.

“However, a reliance on digital learning during this time meant that certain children risked falling behind. The funding from BGL has helped us to support families who needed it most with physical books and literacy resources.”

Caroline Raines, group communications director for BGL Group, said: “At BGL we passionately believe in helping children and young people achieve their potential so we’re pleased to help the National Literacy Trust with its vital work during the national lockdown.

“We know the pandemic has been difficult for many people and that’s why we launched our Empower, Pledge Donate campaign, committing £1.5 million to support causes impacted by coronavirus.”