Free laptops or tablets to West Dunbartonshire schoolchildren promise has been broken says MSP
dailyrecord.co.ukSNP ministers have been accused of failing to keep their promise to give free laptops or tablets to West Dunbartonshire schoolchildren – after it emerged that 17 percent have been bought new devices.During the 2021 Holyrood election campaign, the SNP claimed they would deliver “into the hands of every school child in Scotland a laptop, Chromebook or tablet to use in school and at home”.John Swinney likened the pledge on new devices to teachers “in his day” handing jotters to pupils.Eighteen months on, 2084 have been bought using Scottish Government funding in West Dunbartonshire, representing 17 percent of the 12,330 school roll.In neighbouring Argyll and Bute, covering Helensburgh and Lomond, 1356 have been purchased.
This represents 13 percent of the 10,068 school roll.Both authorities advise there are more devices available.West Dunbartonshire Council says 85 percent access a device for individual learning.Dumbarton constituency MSP Jackie Baillie says these are not the new devices as promised by the Scottish Government – which has hit back to say the commitment will ensure every schoolchild has access to a device by 2026.Ms Baillie said she was disappointed by the figures, which were revealed following a Freedom of Information request to the councils.She said: “Children are being failed by this SNP Government and this is the latest promise which has been broken.“Their record on education is shocking and is leaving our young people to struggle, with worse outcomes for those in deprived areas compared to those in more affluent regions.“I am seriously disappointed that only 15 percent of children across the two councils in my constituency have been given a new device.“These figures lay bare that the Scottish Government
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