Technology lifeline cut off for many disadvantaged children

Most people agree that having access to technology, such as internet access, is no longer a luxury in the modern word; it's essential.

Overnight the lockdown took this access away from many people with the closure of libraries and community centres.

It's easy to think that everyone has a phone or access to the internet but this simply isn't true. It was excellent that our schools adapted to online learning, but it did not help children without access to a computer or at the very least, a phone. This situation was exacerbated in homes with one laptop or computer where parents were also working from home.

The Department for Education said it would step in and provide 230,000 laptops for disadvantaged children by 30 June. This it has failed to do.

I agree with Labour's shadow education secretary Kate Green when she says that, once again, the government gives grand announcements, instead of following through on delivery.

It's very concerning that disadvantaged children without access to IT have now spent nearly a term without adequate access to education.

Ministers need to get the remaining laptops to the families who need them immediately, and provide proper support for children who will be catching up over the summer.

The necessary closure of libraries, schools and community centres has cut off many deprived children from the wider world around them and seriously damaged their ability to carry on learning during the pandemic. If something isn't done it will further disadvantage their education and ability to catch up.

It is a real problem that many think doesn't exist.