A stack of laptops and tablets will be making their way to 1,558 vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people across Gloucestershire to support them in learning at home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning and safe access to the web has become more important than ever before, and with the summer holidays just around the corner, the new devices will ensure all children in the county have the same opportunities to study away from school.

The laptops and tablets, which have been supplied by the Department for Education (DfE), will be distributed to children and young people identified by the county council and schools. This includes those in care or who are care leavers, as well as Year 10 pupils who wouldn't ordinarily be able to access the technology they require.

For some children and families who do not have internet at home, they will receive, in addition to their laptop, a 4G hotspot device to help get them online.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader at Gloucestershire County Council said: "Our priority is to make sure that all children in the county have the same opportunity to get the education they deserve. 

"Schools have stayed open throughout the pandemic to support vulnerable children and have worked hard so those staying at home are able to learn, but the Department for Education's allocation of laptops and tablets to children and their families who need them most, will further help them to thrive and succeed."

Distribution of the devices will begin on Monday, June 29 and will be carried out throughout the week, by firefighters from Gloucestershire's Fire and Rescue Service.