Hundreds of families with school age children across Derby could benefit from a new scheme offering a free laptop and broadband access, according to Derby Labour Group leader, Chris Williamson. Families with a child in years 3 to 9 at school and eligible for free school meals can apply for the special laptop and broadband access.
The scheme that was launched by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Schools Secretary Ed Balls will mean thousands of children and their parents will be able to get internet access at home to boost their school work.
Trials of the programme showed that children who benefitted 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.
I am now calling on the Derby City Council to also write to local parents urging them to check whether they qualify under the ‘Home Access programme’. Parents can check if they are eligible by calling 0333 200 1004 or visiting www.homeaccess.org.uk
“Computers are no longer a luxury for the few. They are just as essential a part of education as books, pens and paper.
That’s why I am calling on the council to support this initiative because hundreds of families across Derby could be eligible. It’s essential that children without the internet at home are not left behind.
By helping children to succeed in school and obtain the skills they need to get good jobs in the future, we will also be assisting Derby’s local economy to stay ahead of the competition.
This initiative will give children the opportunity to do coursework and research on the internet as well as helping parents to get more involved in their child’s education.
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