Oldham pupils to benefit from new tech

School children in need of additional support following the lockdown are set to benefit from a donation by housebuilder Redrow towards new IT equipment.

Progress Education, based on Ashton Road in Hathershaw, is an organisation that provides extra support to schools and pupils in maths, English and science.

The have received £650 from Redrow, which has funded a new laptop in order to provide free online teaching to disadvantaged pupils.

The donation was provided through the housebuilder's Oldham Community Fund, which has shared a total of £5,000 between good causes that help people and communities in the Oldham area.

The laptop will be used to provide additional support at a critical time after many pupils have been off school for around five months this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A survey of teachers by the National Foundation for Educational Research found Children in England were three months behind in their studies after lockdown, with boys and disadvantaged pupils worst hit.

Barinur Rashid, director at Progress Education, said: “We’re delighted that pupils have now returned to school and resumed their learning.

“It’s so important that we find new ways to support teachers and children through this time and help them catch up on some of the learning in English, maths and science that they have missed out on during lockdown. By providing free tuition sessions online we are hoping that we can increase the progress and attainment of disadvantaged children in our community.”

Redrow (Lancashire) sales director Sian Pitt said: “This is exactly why we launched the Oldham community fund, to reach those most in need of support from the community. We’re pleased that this donation will help some of the most disadvantaged children in Oldham to access this vital tuition at a time when they really need it.”

As well as tuition, Progress Education provides education advice, bespoke inset consultancy and courses for teachers and leaders in secondary and primary schools, academies, and early years.

For more information, visit www.progresseducation.org.uk or email info@yourprogress.co.uk

Redrow's Oldham Community Fund was launched following the opening of the Saddleworth View development in the Moorside area of Oldham. To find out more, visit www.redrow.co.uk/saddleworthview.