The Provision of Digital Devices to support children’s learning in the classroom and at home

The Department is moving forward with the actions within the report ‘A Fair Start Report and Action Plan’ produced by the Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement in Northern Ireland.

A key action identified within this report was that:

‘DE should expand and accelerate its delivery of digital devices / broadband to learners so that there is equitable access to learning. An investment of £1m per annum would mean c.3,000 pupils per year would have access to such devices.’
(Fair Start Action Key Area 3 (x))

As a result £1m was secured in 2021/22 and a further £1m has been secured in 2022/23.

Report on "A Fair Start" Use of Digital Devices 2022/23 - Examples of Effective Practice

Potentially 4,000 devices per year, over the next 4 years will be allocated to schools for the purposes of classroom teaching and to support learning using “A Fair Start” funding, aimed at supporting disadvantaged pupils.

DE are initially approaching schools with high levels of Free School Meals Entitlement (FSME) (Phase 1). The level of FSME within a school together with the total enrolment will help inform how many devices a school may be able to avail of. Whilst this information will be used to determine potential allocations, the devices can be used to support any child. Over time, our aim is to approach all schools regarding this opportunity. However this will depend upon the level of demand and funding available in this and subsequent years.

The roll-out to schools will be carried out in 4 phases (Please note that timings are indicative and dependent upon securing the necessary capital resources. FSME% is based on 2021/22 Census data).

• • Phase 1 Schools with FSME 49/5% and above – launched in June 2022; devices delivered Autumn / Winter 2022 .
  • Phase 2 Schools with FSME 39.5% to 49.4% likely to be launched in Autumn / Winter 2022.
  • Phase 3 Schools with FSME 29.5% to 39.4% likely to be launched in 2023/23 FY.
  • Phase 4 Schools with FSME 19.5% to 29.4% likely to be launched in 2024/25 FY (sooner if we can).
  • After this we anticipate EdIS to be implemented (if not before)

Any school receiving new digital devices will be expected to complete a plan within the TSN Planner app entitled “Digital Devices [Year]”. This is essential to understand their effectiveness in supporting learning and will be used to justify further investment going forward.

DE will be in touch with schools via email and an expressions of interest survey when each phase is launched.

If you have any queries please contact afairstart@education-ni.gov.uk