Coronavirus - Chichester school backs campaign supporting children and parents

“Out of a disaster we can all do something to ensure students don’t suffer unnecessarily.”
By Sam Morton
Published 16th Mar 2020, 18:21 BST
Updated 17th Mar 2020, 16:35 BST
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Those were the words of Lindsey Parslow, chief executive of Business2Schools, which has today launched a campaign to benefit schoolchildren and parents affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The aim of the Laptops2Schools initiative is to get businesses to donate laptops that schoolchildren can take home if the schools close or pupils have to self isolate.

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Lindsey said: “If families have to self isolate children will need to log into their schools intranet to complete their lessons and homework.

The aim of the Laptops2Schools initiative is to get businesses to donate laptops that schoolchildren can take home if the schools close or pupils have to self isolate. SUS-200316-181449001The aim of the Laptops2Schools initiative is to get businesses to donate laptops that schoolchildren can take home if the schools close or pupils have to self isolate. SUS-200316-181449001
The aim of the Laptops2Schools initiative is to get businesses to donate laptops that schoolchildren can take home if the schools close or pupils have to self isolate. SUS-200316-181449001

“Most families do not have enough computers for everyone in a household to have access at the same time. Priority will be given to the people in the family that are working.

“This will be disastrous for education. Schools are so short of laptops anyway. So if businesses could help us it will mean teachers and children at home can have a laptop sent to them if they need it.”

Chichester secondary school Bishop Luffa is supporting the campaign.

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Headteacher Austen Hindman said: “We have sent details of Lindsey’s initiative to all of our parents, who are grateful for this lifeline at a difficult time.

Lindsey Parslow, Chief Executive of Business2Schools, during her visit to Bourne Community College SUS-200317-152349001Lindsey Parslow, Chief Executive of Business2Schools, during her visit to Bourne Community College SUS-200317-152349001
Lindsey Parslow, Chief Executive of Business2Schools, during her visit to Bourne Community College SUS-200317-152349001

“Schools do not have spare laptops, and self-isolation and school closure could lead to students from poorer families becoming even more disadvantaged.”

Lindsey said more than 100 schools in the area are in ‘desperate need of our help’.

She added: “If businesses can help by donating or by reaching out on social media we can get this off the ground very quickly. Time is not on our side if schools close.”

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So far, London-based company EFG Private Bank and ESRI UK, in Aylesbury, have donated £6,000 and 57 laptops respectively.

ks190563-3 Bishop Luffa New phot kate Headteacher, Austin Hindman.ks190563-3 SUS-191014-173031008ks190563-3 Bishop Luffa New phot kate Headteacher, Austin Hindman.ks190563-3 SUS-191014-173031008
ks190563-3 Bishop Luffa New phot kate Headteacher, Austin Hindman.ks190563-3 SUS-191014-173031008

Business2Schools is raising funds to afford hard drives and chargers, in case they don’t come with the laptops.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/search?q=business2schools.

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Related topics:Lindsey ParslowSchools