Up to 5,000 families in Bristol could benefit from free computers and broadband web access to help with learning at home, Bristol City Council announced today.
The Home Access project is a £300m government scheme to provide computer and internet access for low income families with children aged 7 to 14.
To apply for a Home Access grant, call the Becta national help line on 0333 200 1004. Grants will be made on a first come, first served basis.
If Bristol families need help with filling in the form they can call 0117 352 6000.
Council Leader, Cllr Barbara Janke, said: “While most children are extremely knowledgeable about computers and the internet, there is a danger that some will get left behind because they can’t access either of these at home. National research shows that having access to the internet at home can increase GCSE results by half a grade.
“It is also important for more people to have access to the internet and parents will benefit from greater access to broadband. I welcome this initiative to close the digital divide by helping more Bristol families use computers and the internet to aid their work, leisure and education.”
Through Home Access, families will be able to claim ‘credit’ that will enable them to purchase a computer with internet supply for one year and technical support. It is anticipated that the first families will be getting connected over the next couple of months.
Bristol champion for Home Access, businesswomen and mother, Jaya Chakrebarti, said: “I am working with the project board to help ensure that the families that will benefit can make the most of this opportunity. As a mother, an employer of fresh young talent and a self-confessed geek-girl, I can absolutely vouch for how access to this sort of technology and connectivity can change the aspirations and achievements of young people.”
Government agency Becta will be running the programme. Chief Executive, Stephen Crowne, said: “The benefits of technology are clear, but it is vital that children are not excluded from access to technology – whether at school or, just as importantly, in the home. The Home Access programme seeks to support this aspiration, by offering this opportunity to more families.
“Technology is opening up the world of learning to parents, helping them gain a greater understanding of how their child’s school works, as well as improving the dialogue between parents, learners and the school. We hope that more parents and children will exploit the opportunity to further engage with their children’s learning and with their children’s school.”
Headteacher at St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Amanda Pritchard, said: “The Home Access Programme will help us to cross the digital divide between home and school, enabling families to have ‘24/7’ access to technology to support personalised learning.”
