MERIDEN MP Saqib Bhatti has asked the Prime Minister to work with schools in the local area to ensure that every child has access to education whilst they are closed.
Mr Bhatti said this is a difficult time for children, as they come to grips with the pressures of Covid-19 and continuing home learning.
And he stated his particular concerns about the impact on children from poorer backgrounds and asked the PM to work with schools in the Meriden constituency to get the IT support and laptops that they need to ensure no child is left behind.
He said: “I am deeply concerned about the impact of Covid-19 and lockdown on our children and on our future generations, especially those children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Does my Rt Hon Friend share those concerns and will he work with schools, especially the ones in my constituency, to make sure that they get the IT support and laptops that they need, so that we leave no child behind?”
In reply, the Prime Minister said: “My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that question and that is why we are putting so much cash — £300million — in to help schools and young people continue with their education online.
“We have discussed already the role of the BBC, mobile phone companies and internet providers in helping as well, and the 560,000 devices that we have already delivered as part of a programme of a million for the children that need them most — laptops, computers and other devices.”
