Following on from Prime Minister, Gordon Brown's announcement in September around their plans for Home Access, today (Tuesday, 21 October) the Schools Minister, Jim Knight announced the programme would first be available in Oldham and Suffolk.
Currently around a million children still do not have access to broadband at home and many that do, fail to reap the educational benefits of using the internet and its related technology.
The £300m government programme announced by Gordon Brown aims to address this by specifically targeting families that:
- have home internet access but do not use the technology for their children’s benefit
- can afford access but do not think technology has educational value
- cannot afford home access or need support in obtaining it.
A first-year package worth £30.3m includes a pilot scheme in Oldham and Suffolk starting in February 2009. This will mean all 150,000 pupils in both areas can benefit from the availability of special home access packages from approved IT suppliers. Funding for roll-out to other local authorities will be announced next November.
Jim Knight said:
“Many families are having to tighten their belts in the current economic climate – so it is right that we help those that need the most support. But bridging the digital divide is not just about giving parents who cannot afford home IT a financial leg-up – it is about selling the educational benefits of home computer and internet access far better to those that can afford it.”
Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta said:
“There’s no question that technology plays an increasing part of our everyday life at home and school. What we need to ensure is that every learner has an equal chance to tap into the benefits of the internet to enhance their learning – and the Home Access programme seeks to do just that, by offering this opportunity to all learners.
You can read the full press release at the Department of Children, Schools and Families website.