Uses 
Home Access
This is guidance for Schools to react to the scheme, if you are a Parent/Guardian looking for more information, please go to the national site www.homeaccess.org.uk.
Home Access is part of Becta's Next Generation Learning campaign and aims to address the digital divide by providing computers and Internet to eligible families. An estimated one million children do not have a computer at home and 35 per cent of families have no home access to the internet. The aim of the programme is for every child to have equal access to the internet at home to assist with their learning. Home Access launches nationally in January 2010
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For families to be eligible for funding they must;
Have a child in a state school in England.
Have a child eligible for Free School Meals.
Have a family income that does not exceed £16,040.
Have a child in years 3-9 (aged 7-14).
Be receiving Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit.
Please note that to have a firm indication of eligibility, Parent/Guardians should call the Home Access Helpline (0333 200 1004).
The average Home Access package would include;
1 computer (laptop, netbook or desktop types are available)
1 Year of mobile internet or home broadband.
1 years service and support.
‘Know IT All’ Internet safety guidance.
Special Educational Needs technology is also available for families and can be requested in their application.
How do families Apply?
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Suppliers taking part include;
Centerprise (Phones4U, Apollo, Hughes, Brighthouse, Retra, Mutual, Kingston)
Comet
Misco
Positive IT Solutions (Cartridge World)
XMA (T Mobile)
Why should schools get involved?
Home Access is a national scheme and parents will be applying directly to Becta, however, families maybe unaware that they could receive funding under the scheme.
A proactive approach to identifying eligible families and encouraging them to apply can increase the number of homes with Internet, improving educational outcomes and raising standards.
Home Access provides new opportunities to communicate with parents and provide additional learning opportunities for students. This can include developing community courses covering activities such as how to use Facebook, using digital cameras etc.
With an increase in students with laptops and mobile internet connection, students may wish to allow them into school as additional resources. Advice can be provided on how to set up your school network to offer wi-fi to guest devices safely and securely.
Funding for this scheme is limited and based on a first come, first served basis. Therefore it is imperative that action is taken by schools as soon as possible for Kent families to gain information on the programme.
What should schools do?
We would encourage schools to send a letter out to families with children attending their school that are eligible for free school meals and in year’s 3 to 9 (aged 7 to 14) only. Your school may also decide that one member of staff will take on the role of 'Home Access' representative to oversee promotion.
If schools register to the Home Access site (www.homeaccess.org.uk) they will be able to download and order resources, such as leaflets for families. These can be handed out to eligible families.
On the e-learning foundation website, there are Home Access letters for parents written in 16 different languages to be downloaded.
Issues to be aware of - Internet Connection
3G Dongles are to be the choice of internet connection. However, it will be advisable that schools help parents find the right network coverage for their area. For example, homes in rural areas may suffer from poor reception and families may find it vital to know what networks are available in their area.
Here are a list of websites that can test the 3G coverage of an address.
To find out more please visit Kent's Home Access Document. Alternatively, email homeaccess@kent.gov.uk if you would like to ask the digital curriculum team any questions.
If you would like to learn more about the scheme, you may also find these links useful.
http://collaboration.becta.org.uk/community/homeaccess - Becta Collaboration site for Home Access (includes downloads of leaflets, information and presentations).
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