£3m funding to support 'digitally excluded' learners during coronavirus pandemic
The Welsh Government has announced an up-to-£3 million support package to support so-called "digitally excluded" learners during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kirsty Williams AM, the Education Minister, says the funding is part of the 'Stay Safe. Stay Learning' programme, and will involve local authorities to help people struggling to access education during the lockdown.
The Welsh Government says a ‘digitally excluded’ learner is a student who does not have access to an appropriate internet-connected device to participate in online learning activities from home.
The money will help local authorities provide students with "repurposed school devices and 4G MiFi connectivity where required".
The Welsh Government says replacement devices will then also be funded for schools out of the wider Hwb infrastructure programme.
Schools are identifying digitally excluded learners by contacting parents and carers. Meanwhile, local authorities are identifying devices which can be repurposed with up-to-date software.
The Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, said: “The coronavirus crisis has made learning from home necessary for most children at the moment.
"Modern technology allows us to learn remotely, with a wide range of brilliant learning tools available online. However, I recognises that it poses challenges for many families.
“It is my priority that no child or family is left behind during this crisis and all children have the opportunity to continue learning. By repurposing school kit, we will ensure that children and families get the support they need as quickly as possible."
Schools in Wales have been closed because of coronavirus since March 18th and no date has been set for their reopening.
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