Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has handed over 12 laptops to Denefield School in Tilehurst, to aid the learning experience of students at the school.
Councillor Angus Ross, Lead Member for Strategic Assets and Lee Arslett, ICT Service Delivery Manager visited the school on Thursday, 18 October to present the laptops. Each laptop is between six and seven years old, meaning that although they may not be suitable for the latest software, as required for RBFRS’ strict requirements, they should still have sufficient lifespan left, to the benefit of pupils at the school.
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: “I hope the laptops provided to Denefield School will assist students in their learning experience, as they prepare for the world of work.
“It is our preference to provide IT equipment like this for re-use if possible, as it avoids costly disposal, which is better for the environment, but importantly, it provides assets that benefit of the local community. We hope to now put in place an ongoing arrangement with local schools to supply them with our replaced equipment”.
Paul Hamilton, IT and Data Manager at Denefield School, said: “We are extremely grateful to RBFRS for providing us with these laptops, which will be used by students with additional needs. Providing devices to students is always a challenge on a school budget and to be given laptop in great condition with a useful amount of lifespan, allows me to help more students than I would have been able to otherwise.
“We look forward to building this mutually beneficial relationship with RBFRS.”
For more information please visit: www.rbfrs.co.uk
