Specialist school IT provider, Next Generation IT designed a bespoke solution to increase digital ability and guarantee access to learning at Little London

Community Primary School in Leeds. Google Chromebooks were supplied to 450 children, from year 2 upwards as well as internet access for 150 families with

limited or no access at home. The innovative project was completed in just 9 weeks and was supported by Google Education and ASUS.

• There are now no barriers to accessing learning online – either at home or at school

• Standards have already risen incredibly

• Pupils are equipped with essential skills for the future

With technology increasingly becoming part of every aspect of everyday life, Jill Wood, head teacher at Little London Community Primary School, wanted to

increase digital ability across the school. Concerned that children were only able to access technology during timetabled IT lessons, Jill wanted to ensure that

technology became part of their daily learning both at school and at home.

This need was highlighted by the pandemic, as children were forced to learn at home. Little London is a large inner-city school of 630 children, where the

proportion of disadvantaged pupils is much higher than the national average. Pupils had extremely limited access to technology and the internet outside school.

When surveyed, a quarter of families had either no internet access, or limited access through a mobile phone, making home learning impossible.

Jill enrolled the help of trusted IT provider of 15 years, Next Generation IT, to provide a ground-breaking solution. Next Generation partnered with Google

Education and ASUS to provide a Google Chromebook to every child from year 2 and above, thus guaranteeing learning for pupils. Next Generation rolled out 450

ASUS devices in just 9 weeks.

Secure filtered internet access was provided to the 150 families without. Each family received a 4G router with pre-loaded data which will only work with the

managed Chromebook supplied. The Google Chromebooks link to Little London’s domain, meaning children can only access learning platforms and materials

approved by the school, allowing safe and secure access to learning.

Results

Bringing technology to everybody has been a major step forward for Little London

Some 450 pupils have been provided with life-changing educational resources and hardware meaning they are now equipped to learn whenever and wherever

they need to. The rollout has ensured that every child has access to the internet both during lessons and at home and can access their curriculum on-demand.

The incredible scheme has given children a chance to become familiar with the latest technology, helping them to develop much-needed digital skills which will

undoubtedly aid them into their transition to the workplace in 10 years' time. The rollout has also given the pupils a sense of newfound independence and

responsibility which too, will prove an essential skill for the future.

Jill Wood, headteacher at Little London Community Primary School

“We needed to make sure children had their own device that was safe and used purely for education and Steven from Next Generation IT came up

with the perfect solution.

The Governors have been extremely supportive of the project and are devoted to ensuring learning for the future.

The Chromebooks can be used at home and at school and we see them as an essential tool for learning. Our standards have already risen incredibly

and we feel that all of our children are now part of the future.”

Steven Lightfoot, director of Next Generation IT

““Jill Wood is a true visionary and it has been amazing to work with her on this project. Getting the right support for the children drives Jill every day

and we were delighted to partner with Google Education to provide a solution that is truly life-changing for the children.

It’s great to know that the children of Little London Primary School will be equipped to learn whenever and wherever they need to.”

Next Generation IT guarantees access to learning for 450 children

at inner-city Leeds school.

Pudsey-based Next Generation IT is a forward-thinking IT support and hardware supply company, created specifically to

meet the diverse IT requirements encountered within educational settings.

The business provides a comprehensive range of digital solutions which equip the next generation with compelling learning

experiences and are thoughtfully designed to create an environment for academic achievement.

With over 30 years in the business, Next Generation IT’s highly-skilled team of experts is amongst the most experienced in the

north. Next Generation IT is the education support department of Pudsey Computers. The company started 30 years ago and

is currently supporting or supplying around 70 schools across Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees.

Email: info@nextgen-broadband.co.uk