LAPTOPS and computers donated have started making a difference to children across the district.

The council initially donated over 100 computer devices, which has now become nearly 300, to the 'Every Child Online' organisation to distribute exclusively to schools across the borough.

The most recent donation, which was visited by the Leader of Basildon Council Cllr Andrew Baggott, was to The Bromfords School in Wickford. 60 PCs and 30 laptops were distributed to the school including fully kiting out their Autism Centre with the high-spec equipment.

A Basildon company and soon to be registered charity, Every Child Online aims to ensure all children have the correct equipment to be able to learn from home.

Cllr Baggott said: "We're very proud to be supporting Every Child Online's pursuit to ensure no children in our borough are digitally disadvantaged compared to their peers.

"Even with kids not having to learn from home anymore, students being given these devices allows them to research for homework, revise for any exams, and complete assignments. And it's not just their educational attainment, it improves their mental wellbeing too with the social aspect of staying in touch with friends, and just not having to feel disadvantaged.

"The fact we've been able to fully kit out Bromfords' Autism Centre is a brilliant story, and we will continue to support this scheme going forwards however we can."

Mike Tabbard, Co-Founder of Every Child Online added: "We're close to donating nearly a million pounds worth of kit to schools across Essex and London that's come from businesses like Basildon Council, and these will make a massive difference to the lives of young people.

"We've developed a great relationship with Basildon Council already in the less than a year we've been going, and we look forward to supporting as many young people as possible in Basildon with their continued support".

30 devices each from Basildon Council's donations have been distributed to Billericay School and James Hornsby School in recent weeks too, to go both in the classrooms and for students to be able to take home.