Citywide survey to help get children learning online

Newcastle City Council has today launched a survey to find out how many families do not have computer equipment or broadband internet access.

It follows a government announcement that help would be given to families who are in this situation and where children are unable to continue their learning online at home.

Cllr Veronica Dunn, cabinet member for education and skills at Newcastle City Council, said: “Following the partial closure of schools as part of national measures to stop the spread of coronavirus and help save lives, children are having to continue their learning from home.

“Much of this learning is happening online but we know that lots of families across the city don’t have either computer equipment or internet access.

“While many parents may have internet access through a smart phone we know this is often not suitable for children to use for learning purposes.

“We want to make sure that all children have the opportunity to continue their learning at home and so we are asking families to let us know if they need help.

“We will be obtaining equipment for families as part of the government support scheme, and we are also working with our partners to try to ensure that no child misses out.”

Families who do not have a computer or internet access that their children can use for online learning are being asked to complete a simple form.

This can be completed using a smart phone, tablet, laptop or PC, but anyone who doesn’t have access or who needs help to fill the form in can contact the council’s support team on 0191 277 4500 between 9am and 2.30pm, Monday to Friday.

For those who can complete it online, the survey can be found at https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/public-health-wellbeing-and-leisure/public-health-services/coronavirus-covid-19/school-and

This citywide survey is open to all families who need help with getting children, aged five to 16, online to continue their learning at home.

The survey must be completed before it closes at 2.30pm on Friday 1 May.

Students aged 16 – 19 who need support with equipment and internet access to be able to learn online at home should contact their school or college directly.