PRIMARY schools across Inverclyde are to get improved wifi at a cost of £700,000.

All schools in Inverclyde have wifi already, but primaries are unable to use ‘non supported devices’ such as tablets and Kindles because they cannot access the network.

Now councillors have given permission for primary schools to be connected through the use of a password.

The investment — backed at a meeting of the education and communities committee — will be funded using £150,000 from The School Estates Management Programme and £546,000 from the Pupil Equity Fund (PEF).

Ruth Binks, the head of education, told the meeting: “This is about opening up that wifi access for primary schools.

“It is not about permitting people to bring their own devices into schools.

“The other part...looks at the wifi capability in all the schools in Inverclyde.

“With better wifi, children will be able to learn outside the classroom or if a pupil is stressed the teacher can take learning elsewhere.

“It will also enable schools to be more organised.

“This is about preparing learners for 21st century jobs and I can understand why they want to increase ICT capacity.”

Councillor Lynne Quinn said any technology improvements to enhance learning would be welcome.

Anna McMillan, who is the parent representative on the committee, said: “The council has an obligation to make sure that the facilities are the best they can possibly be given that we live in a digital world.”