School children to receive free computer and internet access

Commencing with a year long pilot scheme in Oldham and Suffolk, and going nationwide next autumn, the 300m programme, which the Prime Minister announced last month, will ensure that every child aged between five to eighteen years old has home access to a computer and broadband.

Run by Becta (the Government education technology agency) the Home Access programme forms part of the Next Generation Learning, which promotes the best use of technology in learning.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families said the scheme will, 'specifically target families that have home access but do not use the technology for their children's benefit; cannot afford home access or need support in obtaining it'

This is a scheme which Mr Royston wholeheartedly supports.

He said:"Free broadband will give a technological boost to many children in Bexhill and Battle. All the evidence suggests that access to the internet has a big impact on the educational achievement of children in schools. It's the twenty first century and if our youngsters are to get good jobs they must be internet savvy."

Schools Minister Jim Knight has announced a thirty million pound package to support the first year of the scheme, which in addition to the pilot scheme in Oldham and Suffolk, includes a quality badge scheme for approved home access suppliers, and funding for local authorities to target specific groups of children currently without a computer or access to the internet at home.

Mr Knight said that in light of the state of the economy, this scheme will be welcomed by many families.

He 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."

He added: "We cannot let this reinforce social and academic divides and put children in low income families at a further disadvantage. 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."

Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta said: "We need to ensure 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's clear evidence to show that effective use of technology really does boost a child's development."

The scheme will make England one of the first countries in the world where every young person will have use of a computer and internet access for their education.

For more information visit the websites at: www. dcsf.gov.uk or: http://news.becta.org.uk