Dear Colleagues,
One of the biggest -justified- criticisms levelled at the MLE is that it disadvantages children that don’t have a computer and internet access at home. The BECTA Home Access Programme, due to start in January should help to redress this.
The first phase of the programme will target families with children at Key Stage 2 and 3 (Years 3-9 inclusive) who are eligible for Free School Meals and have not had the opportunity to have a computer and/or the Internet at home under the programme or the related Computers for Pupils initiative. The aim is to help over 270,000 households by March 2011.
The Home Access Grant will cover the cost of a computer and/or one years Internet plus a reinstatement service in case of theft (one claim), one years warranty, 3 years virus checking and parental controls, information on Internet safety and a suite of assistive technology software that will be pre-programmed into every machine for children with special learning needs. There will be additional provision available for learners with more complex needs and a separate process will ensure that looked after children are included in the programme.
Becta are due to be sending letters out to schools informing them about the initiative in the next few weeks. It might be a good idea to keep an eye out for these and contact BECTA if you haven’t received one by the second week of December. It would also be worth reminding your Headteacher that the initiative is taking place so that they too can be looking out for the letter.
Dan Warner
Haringey LA
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