Lending digital devices to pupils and broadband solutions – EA Update

They have now procured a further 14,000 devices to roll out to eligible pupils in their priority groups outlined below and are also extending this to pupils in other year groups where possible.

The scheme remains open to request devices for pupils who meet the criteria and do not have sufficient access to a device to support their learning.  Those who have already made a request for devices we will continue to be in touch with you regarding this. If schools would like to make a request now for eligible pupils the request forms are available on the C2K Exchange.

Up to the end of January 2021 12,874 devices were allocated for use by pupils who did not have sufficient access to a device at home in the priority groups – Year 14, 12, 7 and 4 and also to Year 11 and Year 13. The demand for devices in these priority groups was fully met to the end of December.

Prioritisation

DE have approved the prioritisation of devices to year groups in the following order:-

Current priority groups

Year 14, Year 12, Year 7, Year 4, Year 11, Year 13

Other year groups

Year 10

Year 6

Year 3

Year 8

Year 5

Year 9

Year 2

Year 1

Below is an indicative timetable from EA for the roll out of devices:-

• Verification of data and allocations – ongoing
• Devices delivered to NI – ongoing from early February 2021.
• Further Roll out of devices to schools for priority year groups (Year 14,12,7 and 4 and also Year 11
• and 13) – ongoing from early February 2021.
• It is anticipated that EA will begin the roll out of devices to Year 10 from the 22 February 2021.
• It is anticipated that EA will begin the roll out of devices to Year 6 from the start of March 2021.
• EA will keep you informed of the next stages of the scheme and roll out to other year groups.
• EA understand that some of these devices may arrive after the current period of enhanced restrictions has finished, however, there may be ongoing disruption to learning similar to that in Term 1. EA are also aware that supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils as they return to school will be a priority and therefore having access to a device for home use will support this.

This process will take some weeks to deliver in its entirety and continue to thank schools for their patience during this period.

In addition, EA to remind schools that a number of solutions for broadband access are available for eligible pupils across all year groups and the request forms are also available on the C2K Exchange.

12 February 2021