The Government has recently announced it will be providing free laptops and tablets for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and is working with partners to ensure that children can continue studies whilst at home and schools have support in accessing Google and Microsoft’s education platforms. This support includes access to free, expert technical support to get set up on Google for Education or Microsoft’s Office 365 Education.
Further information can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/schools-to-benefit-from-education-partnership-with-tech-giants
Ordering and allocating devices
Local Authorities will lead on the ordering and allocation of laptops and tablets to care leavers and children with social workers as well as to eligible year 10 students within LA maintained schools. Further contact will be made with these schools over the next week about identifying eligible learners.
Academy Trusts will be responsible for the ordering and allocation of their eligible year 10 pupils and will have been written to separately with details of their maximum allocation and the process for ordering the devices.
Selecting the right platform
Guidance for schools on choosing the right education platform to meet their needs is hosted by The Key, including best practice case studies and myth busting. The guidance will walk schools through the key assets of both Google and Microsoft’s platforms and provide an option to register for Government-funded expert support in getting these platforms set up.
Further info can be found at:
SCC ICT Traded Services are also available to advise and support schools to ensure the correct Service support providers are selected to ensure the devices can be used effectively and efficiently as well as remain safe and within the control of the school. We are offering this help and support “free of charge” so please feel free to contact us at any time as we are keen to help by calling 01823 355090 or emailing sccict@somerset.gov.uk
