MORE than 3,500 laptop computers and iPads have been distributed to pupils in Bolton who have been forced to learn remotely due to school closures.

At a meeting of the full council, the borough’s cabinet member for school and education, Cllr Anne Galloway, was quizzed by members about how children who have been being home schooled during this month’s lockdown were coping.

Cllr Martin Donaghy, Labour’s shadow children’s services member, said: “What steps have been taken to ensure that all children in the borough have access to IT facilities for remote learning during the current lockdown?”

Westhoughton South councillor, David Wilkinson from the Liberal democrats, echoed those concerns that digital access must be inclusive to all children

He said: “Can the executive cabinet member provide information to council on how Bolton schools are

coping with these new requirements and what support has been provided by the council to ensure online learning for all children?”

Cllr Galloway, said: “Access to remote learning for pupils has been needed since the first lockdown in March.

“The Department for Education (DfE) has already set up a range of support to ensure that disadvantaged pupils could be given a digital device.

“The council has helped maintain schools in securing the laptops and tablets on offer.

“To date approximately 3,500 devices have been provided to children in Bolton.

“Academy schools have been ordering their devices directly so the total number will be much higher.

“With this year’s lockdown the DfE has invited schools to order any additional device that might still be needed and confirmed that all pupils without any digital access at home would be able to secure a place at school along with critical worker children and vulnerable children.

“The council continues to work with schools to ensure all children are able to access remote learning if they are at home.”