WIREDGOV

More than 130,000 families have applied for free laptops and broadband internet access for their kids – just three weeks after the Government launched its giveaway scheme.

To date 131,938 application packs have been requested and 14,671 filled in and returned, with 5,309 applications approved so far.

Each low-income family whose application is given the green light gets a Barclaycard, which can be used for a one-off transaction worth £528 specifically to buy the equipment at an approved supplier.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Schools Secretary Ed Balls launched the Home Access programme last month, and pledged that 270,000 laptops would be distributed by the March 2011 deadline on a first-come-first served basis. The overall scheme costs £300 million.

Regarding the take up, Ed Balls said:

There’s been a fantastic response by families to the ground-breaking offer we’ve made. We’ve tapped into a real need to ensure every child, whatever their background, has the educational, economic and social benefits of being online at home.

Computers are no longer a luxury for the few, but an essential part of education as books, pens and paper. I’m really pleased so many people are applying. Not only will this help children learn – but it can also help parents keep in touch with their child’s school work as well.

Numbers of applications by region

London has seen the highest number of approved applications so far - 1,289 - followed by the North West (789), East of England (655) and West Midlands (591).

The scheme is part of a major drive to close the digital and educational divide between rich and poor and help keep parents in touch with their child's progress and work at school.

Studies show that 81 per cent of parents think having internet access at home has helped this - and increased parental engagement is proven to boost attainment at school.

The Government is currently legislating to make reporting to parents online by 2012 a legal guarantee in the Children, Schools and Families Bill. Home Access computers are also loaded with a suite of software to support literacy and numeracy for all the family.

Who is enitled to the offer

The Home Access computer offer - loaded with a suite of software to support literacy and numeracy for all the family - is open to families with children in school years 3 to 9 (approximately aged seven to 14) who are entitled to free schools meals and who meet strict eligibility criteria.

Looked after children up to the age of 18 will also receive laptops , and the scheme will offer bespoke packages to provide more support for children with special educational needs.

The programme was rolled out nationally earlier this month after successful pilots in Oldham and Suffolk showed a positive impact on both the pupils and their parents.

A recent study from the Institute of Fiscal studies also showed that having a computer at home could lead to a two grade improvement in one subject at GCSE. Only those who pass strict eligibility criteria are entitled to the offer.

Background

Eligibility for the Home Access Grant is based on the Free Schools Meal criteria which means that applicants can apply if they are registered for Free School Meals or if they receive one of the qualifying benefits (income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit and an income of less than £16,040, income-based Employment Support Allowance or the Guaranteed element of the Pension Credit). Applicants will also have to meet the other eligibility criteria, namely:

• they have a child in years 3-9
• they attend a state-maintained school in England or have their place paid for by an English LA or DCSF
• they have not benefited under HA or CfP in the past.

Carers and foster parents for Looked After Children in school years 1 to 13 are likely to also be eligible for Home Access.

From today, parents will be able to ring to request an application form for a Home Access grant. If they meet strict eligibility criteria, they will then receive a pre-loaded debit card to spend on one Home Access computer and one broadband connection per family for one year. These are available from a list of approved suppliers. The general public will also be able to purchase Home Access kits from retailers, so parents can be sure that the laptops they buy are fully security checked, are safe and have all of the software needed to support learning.

Becta undertook a pilot of the Home Access programme in Oldham and Suffolk Local Authorities. Certain low-income families were able to apply for a Home Access Grant. The pilot has illustrated considerable interest amongst families to gain access at home to support their children’s learning. Over 12,000 grants were awarded to eligible families.

For more information on how parents can apply for a Home Access Grant call 0333 200 1004 or visit  the Home Access website to get more information and request an application form.

The Institute of Fiscal studies report can be found on the DCSF website.