This Manchester tech company has supplied 450 iPads to local children

From free training to charity partnerships, Manchester tech company Sync have shown their commitment to the local community throughout the pandemic and beyond.

Before the pandemic, the Sync team provided over 280 days of free face-to-face training and useful events to support local schools and around the UKI.

And earlier this year, the company, who have a HQ in Ardwick and a state-of-the-art Deansgate store, partnered with Oasis Academy to give children in Oldham their very own iPad.

It’s all part of their mission to make great education more accessible to everyone. 

Oldham Academy Clarksfield is one of three Oasis Academies in Oldham and is part of the Oasis Community Learning family of schools. The school has worked with Sync to pass more than 450 iPads to local children and teachers.

The devices are helping to remove some of the barriers some young people face in accessing learning resources outside of school.

One Year 3 student has said they love their iPad: “It helped me learn when school was closed and now we are back we use it in class. I play maths games on it at home and at school.”

Having the iPads during lockdown “made it so much easier for my children to keep up with their learning,” said one parent.

“I don’t know what we would have done without it!”

Over the coming months, Oasis will continue to embark on a ground-breaking rollout of over 30,000 iPads to all 52 Oasis Academies in the largest investment in the provision of iPads in England to date.

“We are extremely excited to be part of the Oasis Community Learning Horizons project,” said Nigel Fowler, Principal at Oasis Academy Clarksfield.

“Every child now has access to a top end device enabling them to complete research, enhance their learning and develop as learners. 

“The project is digitally transforming Oasis Clarksfield, moving us to the cutting edge of technology and learning. 

“This project marries up the building project currently being undertaken and the result will be a learning environment and resources to enable us to help our children prepare for the 21st century.”

Sync’s wider approach to education and training covers everything from helping schools introduce the latest Apple devices into the classroom, integrating with current systems, guiding CPD and curriculum strategies, and supporting with technology services. 

Sync is also a partner with the We Love MCR Charity, whose work includes providing grants to community groups, supporting individuals to overcome disadvantages and barriers, providing volunteers to make a difference, and supporting young people and the wider communities across our region.

“The equitable delivery of education through digital means has never been more important,” said Tom Crump, National Education Manager at Sync.

“By equipping teachers and students with an iPad, OCL is preparing for the long-term delivery of equitable learning – whether students are in school or at home. 

“We are proud to be working with OCL on their ground-breaking Horizons project – the largest provision of iPad in education happening in England to date.”