Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has handed over 20 laptops to The Ridgeway Primary School in Whitley, Reading, to assist the learning experience of young pupils.
Councillor Angus Ross, Lead Member for Strategic Assets, Lee Arslett, ICT Service Delivery Manager and Green Watch from Whitley Wood Fire Station visited the school on Thursday, 26 September, to present the laptops.
RBFRS runs an equipment replacement process to ensure that IT devices are up-to-date with technology changes and updates to operating systems. This process is now planned to be run between every three and four years. Through donating the equipment, RBFRS minimises harm to the environment by extending the usable life of the equipment, while also avoiding costly recycling processes.
Councillor Ross, said: “This is the second year we’ve been able to provide IT equipment to assist young pupils in their studies, following last year’s donation of 12 laptops to Denefield School”.
“Although the laptops are no longer equipped for the fire and rescue service’s strict requirements, they are in good condition and I’m sure the school’s IT team will soon have them set up and ready for use by young people at the school.”
“We prefer to re-use equipment like this if possible, which not only avoids costly disposal, but also benefits the local community.”
Jacky Steele, Headteacher at The Ridgeway Primary School, said: “We are always absolutely delighted to accept such generous donations for the children at The Ridgeway and are hugely grateful to RBFRS for this gift to our school. These laptops have plenty of life left and will be well-used to enhance the curriculum and support learning for our children.”
