How schools, colleges, academy trusts and local authorities can access digital devices for children who are learning remotely.

The Department for Education (DfE) is providing laptops and tablets to schools to help children and families access remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19). We’re also helping disadvantaged children who need an internet connection to get internet access.

This is in addition to the laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers distributed between May and July 2020 by DfE for disadvantaged pupils in year 10, care leavers and young people with a social worker.

Separate guidance for local authorities and trusts on managing and ownership of these devices is available at Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers provided during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Who can get laptops and tablets

Schools will be able to order an allocation of devices for:

  • disadvantaged children in years 3 to 11 who do not have access to a device and whose face-to-face education is disrupted
  • disadvantaged children in any year group who have been advised to shield because they (or someone they live with) are clinically extremely vulnerable
  • disadvantaged children in any year group attending a hospital school

This offer applies to maintained schools, pupil referral units, academy trusts and hospital schools, as well as sixth-form colleges who have enrolled 14 to 16-year-olds.

Disadvantaged children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are included within this offer. However, if specialist support and equipment is required help is available through the Family Fund.

Young people from disadvantaged households in years 12 and 13 are not included within this scheme. These students may be eligible for support through the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.

Parents, carers and pupils cannot apply for digital devices or internet access through this scheme themselves. They should contact their school to discuss requirements for accessing remote education.

How device allocations have been decided

Schools and colleges will receive an allocation of devices to be used to support disadvantaged children who are otherwise unable to access remote education.

Examples of this include disadvantaged children:

  • with no digital devices in their household
  • whose only available device is a smartphone
  • with a single device in their household that’s being shared with more than one other family member

The number of devices available to order through the Get help with technology service reflects the number of laptops and tablets we estimate are needed by each school or college. This calculation is based on:

  • the number of children in years 3 to 11
  • free school meals data
  • an estimate of the number of devices a school or college already has

This allocation can be used as part of preparing to deliver remote education. However, the exact number and type of devices available will be confirmed at the time of ordering based on stock availability and the extent of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. If there are widespread school closures, allocations could be reduced.

Read detailed information on allocations and how to query them.

When laptops and tablets can be ordered

To help us monitor the impact of the virus and focus support effectively, schools and colleges are encouraged to complete the Educational settings status form. The Educational settings status form guidance explains what information is required and how it will be used.

Guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) provides details of 4 tiers that educational settings can operate at during local coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

Devices can be ordered for disadvantaged children in years 3 to 11 who are unable to attend school when:

  • a primary school is only open to vulnerable children and the children of critical workers (tier 4)
  • a secondary school or college is only open to vulnerable children and the children of critical workers (tier 3 or 4)
  • a school has 15 or more children in years 3 to 11 who are self-isolating having each been exposed to a confirmed case outside the school community
  • a local health protection team has advised a group of children in years 3 to 11 (such as a ‘bubble’ or year group) not to attend school
  • a school or college is fully open, but supporting a disadvantaged child living in another area who is unable to attend due to local travel restrictions

Devices can be ordered for disadvantaged children in any year group who are unable to attend school when:

  • a school or college supports a clinically extremely vulnerable and disadvantaged child who has been instructed to shield by a medical professional or local health protection team
  • a school or college supports a disadvantaged child who has been advised to shield as a member of their household is clinically extremely vulnerable
  • a hospital school supports a disadvantaged child who does not have access to a device

When laptops and tablets cannot be ordered

Devices cannot be ordered for disadvantaged children when:

Short-term absences for limited numbers of children should be managed using a school or college’s existing policies and resources.

Order devices

Local authorities and academy trusts in England can use the Get help with technology service to submit details of who will place orders if required. Local authorities and academy trusts have the option to manage the ordering process themselves or to delegate this to the education settings they are responsible for.

More information is available on:

Published 7 August 2020
Last updated 1 October 2020 + show all updates

  1. Updated to include further information on device allocation, when and when not to order devices and help on ordering.

  2. Clarification of eligibility criteria.

  3. First published.

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