Pupils across Year 7 – Year 11 at The Rudheath Senior Academy are to benefit from generous donations of laptops made by local businesses, colleges and members of the public.
The school’s trust sponsor, North West Academies Trust (NWAT), is continuing to spearhead a campaign to help ensure children across Cheshire and Shropshire have access to a laptop for home-schooling.
At RSA, school leaders had identified approximately 130 pupils without access to a suitable digital device to access remote learning as teachers are work hard to maintain the highest possible standard of education during lockdown by delivering lessons online.
With over 50 donations to Rudheath, all pupils will have access to a suitable digital device to ensure they have equal access to a high standard of remote education.
NWAT appealed to fellow schools, businesses and individuals asking them to donate devices which could make a huge difference to families in the area.
The drive has been a huge success, and is well on the way to ensuring every pupil at the trust’s eight schools will soon enjoy tuition over the internet.
Now NWAT have extended the campaign with the aim of helping pupils at other local schools. They have offered to pay for used laptops to be reconditioned, and act as a distribution centre.
CEO Steve Docking said: “The majority of our pupils have been able to get access to an appropriate device, and our most vulnerable pupils received a free laptop thanks to support from the Department for Education. In addition to this, we distributed devices owned by the schools where they were needed.
“But despite all these efforts, an audit found there were still 150 families in need of additional equipment.
“It’s not always easy to ask for help, but in difficult times you have to dig deep. We couldn’t stand by and allow pupils to miss out, so we have asked people to donate any devices gathering dust at home or at work.
“We have been delighted with the response. Genuinely, I was overwhelmed by the generosity which quickly filled the void at our schools and inspired us to continue the push to help other families in similar situations.
“Our own members of staff have donated devices, and we have asked for donations from our parents too.
“We’d be extremely grateful if everyone could have a look in the back of their cupboard and see if they have an unwanted laptop, because it could make a huge difference to a child at this difficult time.”
NWAT has pledged to collect all the devices, and get them professionally wiped and new software installed. The trust will work with other local schools to distribute laptops where they are needed.
Donations can be made at all NWAT schools, between 9am-3pm. Please observe social distancing guidelines and wear a protective mask when visiting a school.
- Acresfield Academy, Acres Lane, Upton by Chester. admin@acresfield.cheshire.sch.uk 01244 257350
- Delamere Academy, Stoney Lane, Kelsall. admin@delamere.cheshire.sch.uk 01829 707979.
- Ellesmere Primary School, Elson Road, Ellesmere. admin@ellesmereprimaryschool.org.uk 01691 622288
- Grosvenor Park Academy, Union Street, Chester. admin@grosvenorparkacademy.org.uk 01244 569560
- Oak View Academy, Whitby’s Lane, Winsford. admin@oak-view-academy.co.uk 01606 288118
- Rudheath Senior Academy, Middlewich Road, Rudheath. admin@rudheathsenioracademy.org.uk 01606 42515
- St Martin’s Academy, 91 Hoole Road Hoole. admin@stmartinsacademychester.co.uk 01244 566166
- Weaverham Primary Academy, Northwich Road, Weaverham. admin@weaverhamacademy.org.uk 01606 852148
Picture: Julie-Ann Wilson, Deputy Head Teacher, and Jack Jevons, Business Manager, handover donated laptops to Year 7 pupils.
North West Academies Trust are now collecting and restoring used laptops exclusively for other local schools, thanks to a stunning response to their campaign to ensure all children have access to online lessons during lockdown.
NWAT started an appeal asking people to donate devices to help pupils who are unable to join virtual classrooms, and set an initial target of 150 to support youngsters who attend their schools across Cheshire and Shropshire.
They smashed past that mark in a matter of days, with an estimated £100,000 worth of devices handed over by generous individuals and businesses.
Now the campaign is continuing with the aim of helping other schools in the area, with NWAT pledging to collect, professionally wipe and recondition, and then deliver all devices.
CEO Steve Docking said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and heartened by the response we have received, and we’ve been able to support all our pupils already.
“But we don’t want to stop there. During these difficult times, it’s important we all come together to solve problems. It’s vital we ensure all children continue to receive the best possible education.
“We are still fully committed to collecting devices, and making sure they are immediately wiped by professionals to ensure data protection. We will liaise with other schools in the area to see where there is need, and then hand them over to make sure no child is left behind.
“I’d be very grateful if everyone could consider how something which might be gathering dust at the back of a cupboard could make a huge difference to a local child, and perhaps donating to support our appeal.”
NWAT decided to act when, despite some support from the Department for Education and also distributing all school-owned laptops to pupils, an audit revealed there were still children unable to access online lessons.
Members of staff at the trust have made significant contributions, as well as parents and other businesses.
The likes of The King’s School and The Queen’s School, in Chester, have made generous donations, as have Chester-based telecoms firm Vivio.
Donations can be made at all NWAT schools, between 9am-3pm. Please observe social distancing guidelines and wear a protective mask when visiting a school.
- Acresfield Academy, Acres Lane, Upton by Chester. admin@acresfield.cheshire.sch.uk 01244 257350
- Delamere Academy, Stoney Lane, Kelsall. admin@delamere.cheshire.sch.uk 01829 707979.
- Ellesmere Primary School, Elson Road, Ellesmere. admin@ellesmereprimaryschool.org.uk 01691 622288
- Grosvenor Park Academy, Union Street, Chester. admin@grosvenorparkacademy.org.uk 01244 569560
- Oak View Academy, Whitby’s Lane, Winsford. admin@oak-view-academy.co.uk 01606 288118
- Rudheath Senior Academy, Middlewich Road, Rudheath. admin@rudheathsenioracademy.org.uk 01606 42515
- St Martin’s Academy, 91 Hoole Road, Hoole. admin@stmartinsacademychester.co.uk 01244 566166
- Weaverham Primary Academy, Northwich Road, Weaverham. admin@weaverhamacademy.org.uk 01606 852148
Picture: Jack Jevons, Business Manager at The Rudheath Senior Academy, accepts a donated laptop.
Dear Parent/Carer,
*Important* – School Reopening – Wednesday 4th November
Further to my letter yesterday (Monday 2nd November) regarding the emergency closure of The Rudheath Senior Academy, I am pleased to report that the leak that was discovered has been resolved today (Tuesday 3rd November).
Therefore, school will reopen to all students on Wednesday 4th November.
The circumstances presented were beyond the control of the school and, as I am sure you will understand, the safety of all our school community is always a priority.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this unforeseen circumstance.
Yours sincerely,
Lee Barber
Head Teacher
Dear Parent/Carer,
*Important* – Emergency Closure – Tuesday 3rd November
Due to an unforeseen circumstance, we have had to take the decision to close The Rudheath Senior Academy on Tuesday 3rd November for all students.
A pipe leak has been discovered within the school grounds, resulting in no water supplies to taps and limited flushing toilets. This was discovered at 16.00pm on Monday 2nd November by the site maintenance team and building contractor.
As you will appreciate, these are circumstances that are beyond the control of the school. We will review the situation throughout the next 24 hours and communicate with parents and carers about next steps.
At present, and during the current landscape of Covid-19, the priority at RSA is the safety and hygiene of all students and staff.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd November, students are asked (where possible) to utilise Microsoft Teams to access online learning resources. Teachers will be available throughout the day to check in with students remotely.
On days of potential difficulty, we will always strive to give parents and carers as much notice as possible. Our website and social media pages will be updated during this period of emergency closure.
We will make every effort to ensure there is a quick and effective resolution to the issue, so that all students can return to school as soon as possible.
I appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.
Yours sincerely,
Lee Barber
Head Teacher