PRIMARY school children have been given their own iPad to help them take their learning "anywhere anytime".

Pikes Lane Primary School in Daubhill is first state primary school in Bolton to have issued an iPad to every child in year six — and it will remain theirs until they leave at the end of the year.

The idea is to break down the digital barriers and promoting learning in and outside of the classroom.

The school says it can help children progress — for example for those who need to improve their English to setting more challenging tasks for those who are capable to complete in their own time.

Head of computing at the school, Zainab Patel, who has become a handful of teachers to have won an Apple Distinguished Educators Programme, said: "iPads will increase children's learning beyond school hours.

"Teachers can tailor learning to each individual pupils, and the children can collaborate about their work, ask questions, using their iPads when they are out of school."

She added: "The children are really excited about it."

The school has ensured the children are e-safety aware and security is tight with parents signing out iPads when they pick up their children from school to take home.

A special launch was held at which parents were invited to learn how they can help children get the most out of their iPads — their new learning tool.

Miss Patel said: "Technology is so important and we are helping to provide the children with the skills they will need for the future, it is a natural part of their world."

Essa Academy in Great Lever hit the headlines when it became the first school in the country to give its pupils iPods to enhance learning.

Miss Patel, works with ThinkSimple to support teachers in using technology to help children progress and raise attainment in other schools.