At a time when so many children are unable to go to school because of the pandemic, Westminster Labour Councillors are calling on the Council to ensure that laptops or an appropriate electronic device, together with adequate internet connectivity, is provided to all pupils eligible for free school meals who require one, and to other children identified by schools as being in need, no later than 1st February 2021.
And as part of Labour’s drive to ensure that all children who need a laptop are able to have one to access their lessons online, the Maida Vale Ward Councillors – Rita Begum, Geoff Barraclough and Nafsika Butler-Thalassis – have agreed to fund Essendine School £9,999 from the Ward Budget to buy 30 laptops.
In a debate at the Council meeting on 20th January, Councillors Tim Roca and Nafsika Butler-Thalassis will move the following motion:
“This Council notes, as we endure a third national lockdown, that many children are again facing the reality of online teaching without adequate computer equipment or broadband connectivity. Teachers and parents across our City are continuing to report shortages of devices for pupils and access to education is being negatively impacted. There are also reports of schools where teaching staff are still in need of laptops and other ICT equipment.
The education of our children is crucial and therefore this Council resolves to:
- Ensure proper data is collected across state-funded schools in Westminster to understand the need/gaps for electronic devices and connectivity as soon as possible;
- Ensure that by whatever means necessary, including a recommendation to Cabinet for direct Council funding, an appropriate electronic device is provided to all pupils eligible for free school meals who require one, and to other children identified at the discretion of the school as being in need, as soon as possible and no later than 1st February 2021.
- Ensure that by whatever means necessary, including a recommendation to Cabinet for direct Council funding, adequate internet connectivity is provided to all pupils eligible for free school meals who require it, and to other children identified at the discretion of the school as being in need, as soon as possible and no later than 1st February 2021.
- Ensure that by whatever means necessary, including a recommendation to Cabinet for direct Council funding, all teaching staff have appropriate electronic devices for classes, as soon as possible and no later than 1st February 2021.”
Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis said
“This is such an important issue for so many families and we urge the Council to take the action we are calling for. We are giving this top priority and have agreed to fund Essendine School £9,999 from the Ward Budget to buy 30 laptops. We have also written to all the other schools in Maida Vale ward to ask them what support they need from us to ensure their pupils are able to access their online lessons successfully.”
The Council agenda is here
https://committees.westminster.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=5328&x=1