CHILDREN across the county have been provided with laptops to aid them with online learning.

Since the lockdown restrictions were announced, Dorset Council IT services have been updating old laptops and communicating with local schools to make sure as many children as possible have access to a computer and are able to learn online during this period of home-schooling.

So far over 270 laptops and 30 mobile phones have been distributed to Dorset school children.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with requests from school and children’s services staff for laptops to help children study.

“Not every child has things like laptops and we’re doing everything we can to make sure Dorset pupils have equal access to devices and the internet, so they can continue their learning at home during these unusual times.

“Our IT staff have done a terrific job so far with the old, disused council equipment, making sure we support our young learners and also help them stay in contact with family and friends.”