WIREDGOV

Thousands of schools to benefit from ground-breaking partnership with tech companies Google and Microsoft to support remote education.

Following plans to invest in digital devices and internet access for disadvantaged pupils, care leavers, and children with social workers who do not already have them announced last week, the Government has partnered with Google and Microsoft to allow schools access to their education platforms, along with free training on how to use the resources most effectively.

Expert technical support to access Google for Education and Microsoft’s Office 365 education platforms will be made available to schools immediately. This will include online resources, support getting set up, webinars and peer to peer support between schools.

The Government has committed over £100 million to boost remote education during this difficult time - this includes the announcement of laptops and tablets for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, top-up to the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, expert technical support to access online education platforms and peer-to-peer support. 

These initiatives are vital in supporting schools and colleges across the UK teach during this difficult time. Schools, educators, and parents must be given the right tools to ensure young people are safe online and able to continue their education while at home. It’s fantastic to see the education sector and two of the world’s biggest tech companies work in partnership to bring this together.

Schools can apply through The Key for School Leaders for Government-funded support to get set up on one of two free-to-use digital education platforms: G Suite for Education or Office 365 Education.

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