Community News pages 49-57 Chulmleigh College leads campaign for better broadband With the third national Covid lockdown closing schools to most pupils, teachers say slow internet speeds in our rural communities are causing major problems for home schooling. Michael Johnson, Executive Head Teacher at Chulmleigh College, has been leading the fight to improve broadband speeds here in North Devon. He says not being able to learn online effectively is making children “vulnerable”. He took the decision to invite pupils who suffer from slow internet connections to come back to school. “It’s important that the issue of slow broadband is highlighted because it has become a critical utility during the pandemic,” said Mr Johnson. “The Government won’t know the impact of poor connections if they are not told, and will assume children will continue learning at home.” “Rural areas must have good broadband access to allow its residents to work, access information, shop online and participate in society. We must not be left behind in an information revolution, or allow our children to settle for lower expectations. Online learning is not a good substitute for school, we all know that.” “But those of us in schools also know that our communities (and our schools) depend upon being connected and attractive to a working population, so that our children are not disadvantaged just because they live in one of the most beautiful parts of England”. A recently released Parliamentary report identified the South Molton rural area as having the slowest broadband in North Devon, and overall one of the slowest parts of the country. The campaign has featured on the national and regional news, including interviews on BBC News, Radio 5 Live, ITV Westcountry and BBC Spotlight. The school is carrying out a survey among pupils and parents and the results will be sent to North Devon MP Selaine Saxby. Please mention Molton Monthly when contacting advertisers
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