PRIMARY schools have been given laptops to aid pupils' online learning during the lockdown.

Inspiring Barrow, a school programme designed to build confidence, resilience, teamwork, improved communication and leadership in children in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8, have donated a number of laptops to primary schools across Furness.

Due to lockdown restriction the programme has had limited access to working in the buildings but has continued to support the children and families across Furness throughout the academic year.

In September the programme provided 1,100 free stationery packs to all returning Year 7 children in Barrow, Dalton and Ulverston.

Inspiring Barrow have also recognised that there are some families who do not have electronic devices at home to support remote learning so have donated laptops to the primary schools they work with.

Project lead Dave Cassidy said: “Unfortunately when the schools had to resort to e-learning not all families were in a position to join in, which only compounds the learning gap for some of the more vulnerable children in the area.

"Inspiring Barrow are happy to support the schools at this difficult time and that is why we have also purchased sets of Unworry Books for use with children who may be becoming anxious and worried in these difficult times

"These will be going out to all primary and secondary schools in the area”

Mick Cull, head teacher at Ormsgill Primary School described the donations as 'extremely generous'.

He said: "The supply of laptops and other devices from organisations such as Inspiring Barrow and Dropzone will have a huge impact on our children.

"Our families are doing a tremendous job with remote learning but where they are trying to access work via a phone or children are having to share devices with their siblings, it makes it that much more difficult.

"These extremely generous donations will allow all children to connect with their teachers and classmates and ensure their learning can continue during this challenging time. We are so grateful to Inspiring Barrow, Dropzone and all those who have worked tirelessly to ensure no child is left behind."

Inspiring Barrow also provided a number of schools with metal detecting sessions to give the children who have to attend school some outdoor fun and excitement.

Mr Cull said the pupils were all 'very excited' to take part in the metal detecting sessions.

He said: "For our vulnerable and key worker children in school, it can feel a little bit strange as we only have a handful of pupils in. To experience an activity like metal detecting was a real treat.

"They were all very excited to take part and I think we have a few budding detectors amongst the children. Our enormous thanks goes to Dave for sharing his time and expertise with us.”

The programme has also sponsored 70 free places for children aged 5-16 to join online singing and song writing lessons with local professional singer Becki Fishwick. Sign up at Beckising’s@me.com.