Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education when disadvantaged pupils will receive 4G internet access during the covid-19 outbreak; and how those pupils will be identified.

The Government has committed over £100 million to support remote education while schools are closed for most children.

We are providing laptops and tablets to disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have access and are preparing for examinations in Year 10, those receiving support from a social worker, including pre-school children, or are a care leaver.

Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school and children in Year 10 do not have internet connections, we will be providing 4G internet hotspots so that they can learn at home.

Local authorities, academy trusts and other relevant organisations overseeing schools have been given guidance on how to request and order devices. We believe that local authorities and academy trusts are best placed to identify and prioritise children and young people who need devices.