Kirklees Council is providing vulnerable children with 1,300 laptops to support their education and learning at home.
200 routers will also be provided to help children who have difficulties accessing the internet whilst not attending school due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Those eligible include young carers, children with an appointed social worker, care leavers, families who receive certain benefits and pupils who are disadvantaged and taking their GCSEs next year.
The council has contacted schools and other local organisations to identify the children who require the equipment. Hundreds of laptops and routers have been delivered to children so far.
Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said: “There are many families who don’t have a laptop and there are many children who can’t access the internet at home. They rely on the facilities at their school, but most pupils have been at home since March and as a result, they are missing out.
“We are determined to tackle inequality of any kind and the last few months have truly highlighted that digital inequality is an issue. Providing this equipment will be a great boost to disadvantaged learners and support them to aspire and achieve just like their peers.”
Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said: “Kirklees schools have done a wonderful job in providing distance learning and other online support during the Covid-19 pandemic. They introduced new systems almost overnight and have continued making a real difference in thousands of lives.
“Pupils without a laptop or easy access to the internet have not had the same opportunities, so we are pleased to be helping so many children and families. We are supporting our young people to have the best start in life and fulfil their potential.”
Kirklees Council utilised a government scheme to provide the equipment in order to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds with their long-term education.
