How we’re helping get more tech to schools

We’re working with Amazon, digital education charity, the Learning Foundation and education charity Teach First on a new scheme, Tech4Schools, to provide low-income schools serving disadvantaged communities with new devices, digital skills training and tech support.  

Research from Teach First revealed that one in five children who were home schooled in 2021 due to the pandemic, did not have access to an appropriate device, and around 10.2 million people (20 per cent) in the UK lack the digital skills needed for everyday life. 

Following £360,000 funding from Amazon, Teach First are selecting schools to receive support to receive a donation of £18,000 to fund devices and other tech peripherals they may need to use at home and in-class. Participating schools will also receive support from the Learning Foundation, from experts within the Teach First community, and ongoing access to products and savings from us at In Kind Direct.  

We aim to support 600 schoolchildren in this pilot through 20 schools. If the evaluation shows that the device donations and digital support affect pupils’ attitudes to learning it is hoped the scheme will be rolled out to more schools with our support in collaboration with the other three partner organisations. 

Commenting on the initiative, our Interim CEO, Paul said: “We don’t want any child to feel left behind, that’s why we’re working alongside Amazon, The Learning Foundation and Teach First to ensure schools get the technology and support they need to provide their students with equal opportunities in learning. In Kind Direct is supporting by ensuring participating schools have access to the products they need, when they need them”.