With schools closed to the majority of students, most children and young people are working from home. The government has allocated devices to schools in Bedford Borough but there’s still a shortage to allow them to work remotely.
The Council is appealing to individuals and businesses to donate any spare laptops, tablets or smartphones to help to get schools equipped and keep children learning effectively.
In Bedford Borough, spare devices can be taken to Quotevine on St Peter’s Street, Bedford, Tuesdays and Wednesday 10am – 12pm.
As a one off, this Saturday, February 6, devices can also be dropped off at the Pilgrim Centre car park (next to Pilgrims Prep School on Brickhill Drive) between 9.30 am and 1pm.
It is vital that children and young people’s education proceeds so that they do not fall behind during lockdown. They are safer and happier if they can keep in regular contact with teachers and schoolmates.
Cllr James Valentine, Portfolio Holder for Education and Children’s Services said: “I am eternally grateful to the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Bedford Blues Foundation, FACES, charities and religious groups for stepping up to fulfil this need. Please help if you can.”
All donations will be refurbished or recycled by Veritas Digital Service, to protect both you and the children, and they will also add any necessary packages and applications.
For more information and for other drop-off points across Bedfordshire visit www.bedfordshirelearninglink.com.
What can be donated?
Laptops – These should be less than five years old and must still switch on. If possible, they should have a charger.
iPads – Please ensure you log out of all associated accounts before donating, including iCloud. Reset to factory settings.
Smart Phones – These can be taken and will help fund the refurbishments, but please log out of iCloud and reset to factory setting.
