Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Home Access is here!
Home Access is a new government drive which helps low income families get access to a computer and the internet to get online at home.
If you’re a low income family, you could qualify for a grant to buy a computer and/or at least one years’ internet access to help your child learn at home. The programme is aimed at those that need it most and targets families that do not have access to a computer or the internet at home.
Children who have access to technology at home tend to do better in school exams, learn and achieve more, and have fun while they’re doing it. It also benefits the whole family. As well as allowing parents to find out more about what, and how, their children are doing at school, Home Access will help families to sign up for online courses, apply for jobs online, access online government services, and save money. Using the internet to shop for everyday items and paying household bills can save you around £40 a month – that’s almost £500 a year!
The programme is being rolled out across England from January 2010, with eligible families able to apply for a Home Access Grant to pay for a computer and/or internet package. To qualify, families must have a child in school years 3 – 9 who is entitled to receive Free School Meals which normally means the household having an annual income of less than £16,040. Looked After Children who are in foster care may also be eligible for a grant and their local authority can apply for them.
Families that do not qualify for a grant, are still able to buy a Home Access package from a range of well known high street retailers, as well as other suppliers approved by the programme.
If you think you qualify for a Home Access Grant please call 0333 200 1004 or go to http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/ for an application pack.
Yours sincerely
D Andrews
Acting deputy Head