Home Access
Get on in school
Get online at home
On January 11th the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, launched the Home Access programme. This government drive will help low-income families to get access to a computer and the internet to get online at home.
Low income families in receipt of certain benefits could qualify for a grant to buy a computer and/or a minimum of one years’ internet access. The programme is aimed at those that need it most and targets families that do not have access to a computer or the internet at home. This, of course, includes many Traveller families on a low income and with children in Year 3 through to Year 9 who will be able to apply for a grant.
It is worth noting that that ANY family can purchase the package which is priced at about £570. Further details about this option will be sent out to TES by the end of January.
From these pages you will be able to access
- Sample Application Forms for the Home Access Programme
- The December 2009 briefing notes sent out by NATT+ which describe the Home Access Programme
- Supplementary notes sent out at the end of January, 2010
- Software available on Home Access computers: some key information
- The ELAMP Home Access on the Move Guidance Document
- A DCSF endorsement letter to go with the Guidance Document
- A copy of the postcard which is being distributed to TES
Useful Becta Home Access information leaflets
Becta has produced some useful information leaflets, six of which are downloadable below:
Intro to Home Access for schools
Sample Application Forms
‘Sample’ copies of the application form which families need to use can be read or downloaded here. You can also read or download the guidance notes which are intended to help with filling in the form. NB these documents have a ‘SAMPLE’ watermark and should not be used by the families themselves. They are made available on this site so that TES can check out what is involved and think about what kind of support families might need in making an application.
Briefing notes for TES and others working with Traveller families
Briefing notes about the Home Access programme have been collated by Ken Marks for NATT+ as part of the ELAMP project. The first set was issued in December, 2009 with important supplementary notes issued at the end of January, 2010.
Home Access On the Move Guidance Document
The E-LAMP project has issued a guidance document for LAs and schools which is intended as a reminder that the Home Access initiative is an important opportunity to consider the particular needs of mobile Traveller families. This builds on good practice from the E-LAMP project and focuses on the potential to use ICT to support mobile families through distance learning. Hard copies of this report are being sent to all TES during January. You can download a pdf version from this website.
In support to this document you can also download a template of the "Model Learning Agreement" that is outlined. All the weblinks for further resources are also here for convenience.
DCSF Letter of Endorsement from Geoff Brown
Geoff Brown of the Ethnic Minority Team has written an endorsement of the On the Move document. He writes:
I commend this guidance to all local authorities, as it sets out the challenging issues an authority faces when planning the provision of a continuous, effective and relevant learning experience whilst at the same time ensuring that the experience is delivered in partnership and is sustainable and replicable.
Postcard
NATT+ ICT working group have produced a postcard that is being distributed to TES. These are designed to be passed onto Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families who may be eligible for a Home Access grant, to make them aware and encourage them to apply.
You can download a pdf of the postcard if you need extra copies.
| Top of page | Mail page | Print page |