Spelthorne Liberal Democrats step up to support Disadvantaged Pupils during Lockdown

Using the Better Neighbourhood Grants given to Councillors every year, Spelthorne Liberal Democrats have focused on providing computers for vulnerable and disadvantaged students to facilitate remote working and improve provision in schools. Staff in Schools have been going above and beyond to provide the best quality education during these difficult circumstances and it was important to support that in this regard.

In Lower Sunbury, Cllrs Sandra Dunn, Tom Fidler, Kathy Grant and Lawrence Nichols have teamed up to provide support to Primary Schools in Lower Sunbury. St Ignatius, Beauclerc and Chennestone all had been waiting for applications to apply for Government funding for Digital equipment which was not forthcoming to deal with the waiting lists. Therefore, we have been able to provide Chromebooks to the school to upload with the necessary technology and provide to the families in need. Furthermore, Springfield will have reconditioned Ipads available for their Learning Resource Centre which will be used to improve the press office for the new pupil school newspaper team and an early language development programme for pupils in EYFS. The focus on primary schools was due to the limited funds available and often that Primary schools are more significantly underfunded. We have also spoken with Hawkedale with a view to offering some support when the fund is next available.

In Sunbury Common, Cllr Bernie Spoor has continued to build on his strong relationship with Kenyngton Manor school where they have agreed to replace the electronic devices that have been damaged through their extensive use. Both Cllr Spoor and fellow Sunbury Common councillor Richard Dunn have also supported the school with an assisted reading scheme for children with Learning Difficulties.

In Staines, Cllr Chris Bateson has also contacted local Primary School Buckland and is finalising details to help pay for devices there to pupils in need. This followed his contribution to the Talking Tree to support our response to the climate emergency and food vouchers to disadvantaged families at Christmas.

We have also been working with the Council about co-ordinating the work being done around the use of second-hand computers. Local Resident and former teacher Rebecca Dix established The Digital Class (@thedgtlclass) to help match devices from residents and businesses to schools. More details about her campaign can be found here

We encourage anyone to get in touch with Rebecca if they have any devices they'd be willing to contribute to help aid learning remotely.