Haberdashers' schools give home-learning equipment to other schools

Independent schools Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls and The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School in Elstree have been busy delivering bundles of new laptops and dongles with pre-loaded internet to schools in the community this week.

The initiative has been created by both schools in a bid to support the rising numbers of families struggling to access learning at home, due to poor internet connectivity and lack of devices.

Among the schools currently receiving the equipment are Cowley Hill Primary in Borehamwood, Fairfield Junior School and St John's St Infants School in Radlett, How Wood Primary School, Bournehall Primary School in Bushey, and the London Academy in Edgware.

Cynthia Rowe, head teacher at How Wood Primary School

As well as providing a number of Chromebooks and dongles to support home learning, Habs' has also created a raft of educational 'BookyBoxes' for pupils, containing a book, ready-made guided reading resources and a fun and relevant activity or toy.

Joshua Plotkin, director of partnerships for both of the Haberdashers’ Schools in Elstree, said: "One of the key issues many families are facing right now is access to the internet and with it, access to the resources they need for their remote learning.

"The pre-loaded dongles give students an instant 4G connection. Even if there are not enough laptops to go round at the moment, most will have a smartphone, which as a last resort, they will now be able to use for their education without worrying about racking up huge bills.

"The feedback from the schools has been hugely positive. They were delighted to receive the support and had already made arrangements to distribute the equipment to those in their community who really need it."