“The problem of digital inequality remains in all areas of our borough” - Donations continue to come in to Laptops for Learning Appeal

Liz Cresswell, former Brighouse High School headteacher, heads up the partnership, which includes Brighouse High, Brooksbank, Moorside Community Primary, Savile Park Primary and Withinfields Primary, and is working with Calderdale Council to help all children in need across Calderdale - not just partnership schools.

“The need to end the digital divide is urgent; as more lessons move online the gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers is in danger of widening,” she said.

“Every child is entitled to a good education but the lack of a laptop or internet means that some children cannot access  remote lessons in a meaningful way.

“When I retired as Headteacher of Brighouse High School 16 months ago to take up my post with The Valley Partnership it was impossible to anticipate that this would be a key issue facing schools at the start of 2021 but the pandemic and lockdown have, as we know, changed the face of education rapidly.

“Government supplies of devices have helped and school leaders are exploring innovative approaches such as requesting donations of old laptops and tablets, repurposing of equipment and even supporting families to use games consoles as a means of accessing online lessons.

“But the problem of digital inequality remains in all areas of our borough.

“The crowdfunder aims to raise awareness and collect donations. Money raised will be combined with funds generated by the Council and the Community Foundation for Calderdale so that we can act quickly to help children and families most in need.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated so far - please keep supporting us at www.rocketfund.org/end-the-digital-divide-for-calderdale-pupils.”

Steve Duncan, from the Community Foundation for Calderdale, said: “The Valley Learning Partnership, Calderdale Council and Community Foundation for Calderdale have so far raised £42,600. This figure does not include gift aid on some of the donations.

“An initial sum of £32,500 was released last week and a further balance will be released shortly.

“Thanks to the efforts of Christine Gow, the late Lord Shutt’s daughter, and her Cream Teas for Laptops idea, she has raised £2,150 in a few days.

“She has asked me to stress that she now can’t take any more orders but if people want to keep on donating that would be great.”