A CAMPAIGN to encourage businesses to provide computers to students during lockdown has been welcomed by a Winsford headteacher.

Recent figures reveal that more than 2,400 students in the region do not have a computer or broadband and are unable to access online learning at home.

Pupils at Winsford Academy have received donations of computers from global energy company Storengy.

Principal Gary Evans said: “During the lockdown period, some of our students have struggled to take part in virtual classes and online learning due to a lack of access at home.

“While paper-based learning packs have certainly helped, the social interaction and ease-of-use that online learning brings is undeniable.

"Winsford Academy is always keen to work with local industry and employers and we are delighted to link with Storengy."

Business leaders in Winsford are now being urged to support pupils as schools remain closed.

Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is spearheading the #GettingStudentsOnline campaign.

As many youngsters face the prospect of waiting until September to return to classrooms, the LEP is calling on local businesses to pledge their support to pupils who are unable to take part in their lessons online.

It is hoped the project will help enhance the home learning of those children who do not have access to online tools, as well as providing much-needed support to parents.

Clare Hayward MBE DL, chairman of the LEP, said: “By the time many children return to classrooms in September, they will have had around six months out of school which, as research suggests, could equate to a year of missed school time for some children.

"For those without computer and internet access, the long-term impact will undoubtably be far more substantial.

READ > How 15 children are 'climbing' Ben Nevis to save Chester Zoo

“Our schools are doing everything they can to make home learning as easy and accessible as possible, with teachers developing virtual schooling overnight.

"We also know that having access to online tools helps bring lessons to life, offering the chance for students to engage with their learning and access support directly from their teachers.

“This campaign will allow schools to loan either a desktop computer or laptop, as well as a three-month internet bundle, to students who are currently unable to access such facilities. They’ll then be able to ‘recycle’ the kit for other pupils to use as and when the times comes.”

The LEP is donating £30,000 worth of equipment, offering around 120 kits to secondary school students in the area.

Local companies are now being asked to support with either cash donations or through the purchase of new kit.

Online retailer AO.com, Storengy, energy and services company Engie and marketing communications agency Influential haver already signed up.

Michael Gibson, managing director at Storengy, said: “We’ve developed a strong relationship with Cheshire and Warrington LEP in recent years and we’re thrilled to be supporting such a vital, much-needed campaign.

“To be able to lend a hand to local students who could be our future workforce is fantastic and we hope that our involvement will help improve their home learning during this period.”

The LEP hopes the campaign will boost children’s social interactions, enable them to take part in online summer schools and help improve their mental health.

Clare added: “Completing tasks set by their teachers are important during this time but children are also missing out on those all important face-to-face interactions with their school community.

“Having a computer and access to the internet will allow more students to take part in class or group tasks, interacting with their peers and teachers to improve their home learning experience.

“We’re confident that, with the support of local businesses, we can make a real difference to many students’ lives during these truly unprecedented times.”

To find out more information about the #GettingStudentsOnline campaign visit www.871candwep.co.uk/getting-students-online/