Published February 17, 2021 at 10:54
Rossendale Borough Council has teamed up with Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Services (BPRCVS) and schools to provide funding for devices to allow children to study online during the Covid crisis.
The Council has provided funding for 10 schools in Rossendale to purchase various devices such as tablets and laptops in order to support children’s home schooling. In total 150 pupils have been supported under the scheme, which used Emergency Assistance Grant funding.
Councillor Steve Hughes the council’s Cabinet member for Communities said: “With most children unable to attend school during the national lockdown it’s important that we try to ensure that everyone who needs it has access to the right equipment to ensure they can continue their education online at home.
“Some families don’t have the computers, laptops or notepads to be able to do that. This scheme will enable those children to continue to learn and prevent them from being left behind by their classmates who already have the IT equipment they need at home.
“The council has worked closely with numerous organisations during this pandemic to make sure the people of Rossendale don’t miss out. Whether that be with business or financial grants, assisting with people who are shielding, food banks or in this case for our younger residents and it’s been encouraging to see so many people and organisations pulling together to help those who are struggling for whatever reason.
“If anything good has come from the Covid crisis, it’s the fact that we are all working together in partnership to support others through these hard times.”
Christine Blythe, Chief Officer BPRCVS, said: “We are proud to have worked tirelessly to help residents of Rossendale during this pandemic which is affecting so many people in so many different ways.
“Working with Rossendale Borough Council on identifying and supplying so many young people with the essential equipment they need to continue their learning is another proud moment for our team and our collaborative partnership. This equipment is vital for supporting the future of local children.”