Despite thousands of laptops and tablets being made available for disadvantaged children through Cumbria’s education authority, it is nowhere near enough according to local head teachers.

Department for Education data shows 2,690 laptops and tablets had been sent to Cumbria County Council or its maintained schools as of January 17.

But school leaders’ union National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) says the Government’s roll-out of devices was still not finished, claiming children had been “miserably let down” by the scheme.

These figures do not include those allocated to academy trusts, as they are not maintained by the local authority.

This has led to the community taking action to try and bridge the inequality deficit.

Pauline Robertson, executive head teacher of Victoria School, Workington, said teachers had been working to close the technology gap.

“We’ve got parents that can’t afford devices, or a limited number of devices and we need to close that gap. Even though schools get an allocation it’s not enough, there is some highly commendable work by parents who are trying so hard”.

She said the Workington heads group were raising money through a go fund me page which will be divided collectively between the schools within Allerdale. "Hopefully, between the Government’s contribution and fundraising we will get our children what they need,” she added.

Sohrah Padidar-Nazar, who owns Caspian Flame Grill restaurants on Derwent Howe, was so moved when he heard that Workington Academy school had a 200 device deficit that he bought nine laptops for the school and his daughter, Nadia Padidar-Bitcon said they would be getting more.

She said: “Workington Academy is closest to us. I spoke to the deputy head and was shocked to hear that they need 200 devices. I just want to get through to people, this might be happening to your next door neighbour. There is help out there for people. Moorclose Community Centre is doing a great job for the community. People need to know there is help out there if they need it.”