Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The digital gap in education became evident during the pandemic as schools moved to remote learning. Schools like Ursuline High School were well-prepared, but others lacked necessary devices.
What steps are being taken to help close the digital divide for children without access to the internet or adequate devices at home? When schools closed due to lockdowns, the shift to online education highlighted disparities in technology readiness. Schools such as Ursuline High School were ahead with tablets and remote learning capabilities from day one, but others struggled. For students still lacking proper equipment, what support is provided for equipping schools with the necessary skills and resources?
We have delivered over 1.9 million devices to educational institutions for disadvantaged students during the pandemic, along with a £520 million investment. Additionally, we partnered with mobile operators to provide free data to more than 33,000 children and supplied over 100,000 4G routers. The 1.9 million devices complemented existing 2.9 million devices in schools. We will collaborate with other departments to ensure disadvantaged households receive necessary technology.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
During lockdowns, some schools were well-equipped for remote learning while others struggled due to a lack of devices. The digital gap widened, impacting student attainment.
Aside from emergency lockdown devices, what additional support is being provided to equip schools with skills and resources to ensure no child is left behind in the technological world?
We recognize the importance of reaching out and providing help where possible. We provided 1.9 million devices on top of existing 2.9 million in schools, ensuring that equipment is available. We will continue to work with other departments to ensure disadvantaged households get the technology they need.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Ongoing support and specific actions for equipping schools are not detailed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Education Secretary announced the repurposing of Oak National Academy to provide UK-wide online learning. With rising household bills due to cost-of-living crisis and 1.1 million households struggling with broadband affordability, there is concern about data usage adding to these expenses.
Families facing high costs need assurance that data used for educational purposes will not increase their bills further. Can the Minister guarantee that services supporting learning will remain zero-rated indefinitely?
We welcome the fact that zero-rating is continuing and we are committed to working closely with DCMS to support this over the longer term. We see Oak National Academy as a valuable tool for online support to pupils.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Long-term commitment to zero-rating not explicitly stated
Response accuracy