CSL is a charitable company which aims to promote and advance the education of children, young people and their families within the wider Trowbridge community. They strongly believe that by working together with community partners to achieve common aims, they are more able to be proactive with regard to the needs of local schools, pupils and families.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, teachers and parents have identified a rise in digital inequalities for many families. Some children have not had access to the necessary technology to allow engagement with learning during the period of school closure and gain wellbeing support from trusted adults within school.
They are witnessing digital inequality due to a variety of factors, such as a lack of devices and quiet space within a household, however disadvantage remains the key factor. Some of these children are engaging with learning significantly less than peers with greater access to IT and are also showing behaviours associated with increased isolation from society and those who could help them.
Our grant has allowed CSL to purchase digital devices for primary pupils living within communities in Melksham where Selwood Housing has properties.
Working closely with the individual schools in the CSL partnership, teachers can help identify students that would benefit most from having access to a new device. This will ensure the support is in place for families most at risk of digital inequality. These devices will not only allow equal access to distanced learning and online resources but can also be an additional resource for the rest of the family to access.
As schools are now re-opening, CSL will continue to provide these devices to support catching up, potential future lockdowns and also to promote ongoing access to learning and wellbeing within a child's home. It will allow individual pupils:
- An equal platform to access learning and to achieve academically. Thus, raising aspiration and future life chances
- Access to welfare and health advice which will impact on wellbeing and happiness
- To communicate online with trusted adults within their school settings thus supporting their mental health
- A safe platform to communicate with peers and friends
Selwood Housing's £4,950 Stronger Communities investment will initially fund 25 devices. £30,000 from the Trowbridge Area Board has been awarded to the project to allow further devices to be purchased and aims to benefit children and families across Trowbridge.
Jayne from Collaborative Schools says:
The need associated with narrowing the digital divide is so great that it is only via a sustained partnership approach that we will achieve impactful success. Selwood Housing have been an ambassador of support for this project, understanding the challenges faced by households and working together to ensure funding is in place for those most in need. Thank you.
