Free laptops and broadband for families with children in Wakefield

02/Feb/2010

Computers are no longer a luxury for the few, but these days are just as essential a part of education as books, pens and paper. That's why I've launched a new scheme with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown offering free laptops and broadband access for thousands of families in our area - and across the country.

The scheme aims to make sure that children without the internet at home aren't don't face disadvantages to their learning.

It will give children the opportunity to do coursework and research on the internet - helping them succeed in school and get the skills they need to get good jobs in the future.

Trials of the programme showed that children who benefited spent an hour more each week learning online, compared to their classmates who already had the internet at home. And 81 per cent of parents believed that home access had increased their involvement in their child’s learning.

We’re leading the world with the way we use technology in learning and we’ve shown our commitment to this by making ICT the backbone of every lesson in the new primary curriculum. We’re investing £300 million in this project so that children who need the most support have access to the resources they need at home.

It will also help parents get more involved in their child’s education, develop new skills and apply for jobs online.

I would urge all parents across our district to check whether they qualify under the ‘Home Access programme’. Families with a child in years 3 to 9 at school and eligible for free school meals can apply for a laptop and broadband access by calling 0333 200 1004 or visiting www.homeaccess.org.uk