Laptop scheme is rebooted
- Jan. 14, 2010
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Keywords:
- brown
- ed balls
- home access scheme
- laptop
- Not rated
According to the Home Access scheme, poorer pupils are to be given free laptops and broadband. However, not all children on free school meals, which is the government’s benchmark for poor children, will get computers
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls fully supports the scheme declaring that: “families who are most in need cannot be left behind during the digital revolution in education.”
The Home Access scheme, estimated to be at least £300m, will enable some of the poorest and most in need children to apply for a grant for a free laptop and internet connection.
Recent study findings from the Institute of Fiscal Studies suggested having a laptop at home could lead to at raise of at least two grades for a GCSE subject.
Brown first hinted at such a scheme in 1999 gaining support of some 60 companies but the idea was finally wound down after seven years. According to the new scheme, championed by former education minister Jim Knight, the family will receive a laptop and broadband for a year.
Although not all children on free school meals will receive computers, families with children aged from between 7 to 14 will all be able to apply for the grant from an approved stockist. Children in council care and with educational needs will also be prioritised.
Balls stated that we are leading the world with the way we use technology in learning, showing our commitment by our investment in ICT in the new primary curriculum. He said that it was only right that every child should have access to the resources they need at home:
“There are educational, economic and social benefits of being online at home that cannot be ignored.”
