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NEXT STEPS IN THE HOME BROADBAND AND COMPUTER REVOLUTION
Oldham and Suffolk to pilot home access programme
Quality-mark scheme launched for suppliers and IT
21 October 2008Schools Minister Jim Knight today set out the next steps to try and ensure every child has access to a home computer and the internet for their school or college work. He announced a £30.3m package to support the first year of Government’s long-term ambition to close the digital divide. It includes year-long pilot scheme in Oldham and Suffolk; a quality-badge scheme for approved home access suppliers; and funding for local authorities to target specific groups of children currently without broadband or a computer at home.The £300m programme, which was announced by the Prime Minister last month and goes nationwide next autumn, will make sure every five-to-18-year-old has home access. Currently around a million children still do not have access to broadband at home.It will specifically target 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. It will make England one of the first countries in the world where every young person can use a computer and internet at home for their education. The home access programme forms part of Next Generation Learning, which promotes the best use of technology in learning. The programme is run by Becta, the Government education technology agency.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. We cannot let this reinforce social and academic divides and put children in low income families at a further disadvantage. “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. “There has to be a culture where families see home access is as important as making sure their children have pen, paper and calculator at school. The bottom line is that having home access to the internet or a computer is no longer an optional extra for school work – it is fast becoming essential. “Schools are revolutionising how they educate faster than many families realise. There is no substitute for good classroom teaching but day-to-day school work is increasingly web and computer based – and it is clear that students get better results where technology is used effectively at home to study, research and communicate.” “It’s not up to the schools to lead this – it’s down to government, councils, industry and the voluntary sector to pull in the same direction and make low-cost home access a reality.”Today’s announcement includes:· Oldham and Suffolk to pilot home access: o home access pilots starting in February 2009;o it means up to 20,000 seven to 18-year-olds from low income families could qualify for home access financial support;o the grant will cover the cost of an approved home access package including a computer; software; associated internet access for one year; and three-years of technical support – parents wanting a higher-specification can ‘top-up’ the grant to cover the cost;o all 150,000 pupils in both areas can benefit from the availability of special home access packages from approved IT suppliers;o high profile local marketing campaigns in communities and schools to sell the benefits of home access and educational advantages of IT – supported by dedicated advisers and a helpline. · Quality-mark approved home access suppliers:o Government to challenge the IT industry to offer low-cost home access packages for the pilot s and nationwide scheme. All packages must be of an appropriate quality and suitable for children;o Eligible families will be able to redeem their entitlement for an approved package; o each package, covering a range of different products, will be given the NextGenerationLearning@Home mark – to give parents assurance of the educational and technical quality;o Becta will invite suppliers to apply for approved supplier status by the end of November; ando the approved suppliers will be announced in January. · Targeted home access scheme for children for whom LAs have responsibility:o all local authorities can submit proposals for additional funding to target specific vulnerable groups without computer or broadband access at home; o groups could include: looked after children; pupils in alternative provision; and low-income families in National Challenge schools;o funding is available for each of the next three years – up to £20m is available in 2008/09; ando Details of the level of funding for each local authority will be announced at the end of November. 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. “There will be financial help for those eligible families who are struggling to buy the equipment and practical help for families to use the internet more. There’s clear evidence to show that effective use of technology really does boost a child’s achievement. Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Suffolk County Council's Portfolio Holder for Children Schools and Young People's Services, said: "I am delighted Suffolk has been selected to take part in this innovative and exciting pilot. The project will help to bridge the "digital divide" for children in Suffolk who do not have a computer at home or access to the internet. The use of technology in education is developing fast and this is a unique opportunity for Suffolk to be in the forefront. Every child in Suffolk is going to have good access to the internet to support their education". Councillor Jackie Stanton, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, said: “I am delighted that Oldham has been chosen to pilot the Home Access programme. This programme will transform children and young people’s learning in Oldham and provide more opportunities for parents and carers to be actively involved in their children’s education.” “Oldham’s children and young people are the key to our Borough’s future and by giving each of our young people good access to technology, we believe they can be more inspired to learn and have the skills they need to live successful lives.” Editor's Notes
This press notice relates to 'England'
1. Today’s announcement follows the work of the Home Access Taskforce, established by Jim Knight in 2007. It was charged with considering and advising on ways in which home access to technology can be delivered for school-aged children in England, ensuring that any plans include and promote safe and responsible use. The Taskforce was made up of a broad cross section of experts from education, industry and the third sector. The final report is at: http://news.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=38386 2. The chart shows the number of learners are involved in the Oldham and Suffolk pilots. 3. Becta is the government agency leading the national drive to ensure the effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning. It is Becta’s ambition to utilise the benefits of technology to create a more exciting, rewarding and successful experience for learners of all ages and abilities, enabling them to achieve their potential.Contact Details
Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Press Notice 2008/0234 (Previously known as 2008/0234)
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