1. The Home Access programme: getting more families online at home to support learning Steve Goodman, Becta Kevan McKelvie, Home Access

2. Home Access Diana Johnson, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools Home Access aims to provide practical and financial support to low-income families who may not be able to afford a computer or the Internet. We will support these families to ensure that the educational and social benefits of 21st century technology are available to them.”

3. A compelling reason for change 85% of secondary school learners believe that technology makes it easier to do homework. More recent evidence has suggested that having a computer at home associates with a 2 grade improvement in one subject at GCSE. This means that a pupil who would have got a D, could, with the effective use of technology at home, now get a B at GCSE. Children who have access to a computer at home are more confident and capable users of technology and more independent learners overall. And there are wider socio-economic benefits for the whole family...

4. So how does it work?

5. Approved suppliers to provides these packages Assistive technologies for those with additional needs 270,000 Home Access Grants for low income families to cover the cost of: The offer

6. Eligibility

7. How does it work?

8. How you can help Support and encourage the applicants and families – we do not wish to add unnecessary work You can promote the programme and grant - register at www.homeaccess.org.uk to download materials such as www.homeaccess.org.uk Newsletter articles Posters Leaflets Presentations Email info@homeaccess.org.uk for support and to request materialsinfo@homeaccess.org.uk

9. Other provision Looked After Children in foster care will be provided for by the main programme. Local authorities will apply on their behalf. There is a range of Assistive Technology available under the programme – including software pre-loaded on all packages and additional hardware. Schools can apply to run an aggregation scheme and order packages on their families behalf. Schools and academies can request an application pack by calling 0333 200 1005 Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. The deadline for applications is 28 February.

10. Benefits for all

11. Packages designed to support learning A computer that’s been pre-configured and set up Office productivity suite and graphic programmes included Pre-set parental controls and the award-winning safety guide Know IT All for Parents loaded on every computer Anti-virus software with three years’ pre-paid updates Home Access How to guide and dedicated ‘Our Home Access’ website pre-set as the homepage One year’s technical support including a national rate (or less) phone number, warranty and one instance of re- instatement A suite of Assistive Technology software

12. Key findings from the pilot The application and grant process was very effective, and was responded to positively by beneficiaries. Households got access 2.4 years earlier than they would have otherwise. Children spent an hour a week more for learning than a comparator group who had existing access. 97% of parents surveyed believed that home access would help their children do better at school a great deal or a fair amount. Overall, 65% of beneficiary parents agreed that their child is spending more time on homework since gaining access..

13. The Healey family To watch this video, download the.zip file from http://events.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=41669 http://events.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=41669

14. Wider benefits for the whole family 81% of parents (94% in black and minority ethnic groups) said home access would improve their confidence in using technology 81% believed home access increased their involvement in their child’s learning. 89% of parents in Oldham and 69% in Suffolk felt having Home Access would help them with their own skills development Parents are also accessing local council and public services online, and also using their access to look for employment.

15. Supporting teaching and learning With more pupils having access to technology at home, schools have an opportunity to: Embrace learning at home as part of a personalised, inclusive and engaging curriculum Narrow the achievement gap between free school meals pupils and others Make more effective use of the learning platform Develop pupils digital literacy and e-safety skills Extend the school to offer activities and support to families Engage parents through online reporting

16. Any questions?

17. Get involved Want to support the programme? www.homeaccess.org.uk Realise the benefits: www.becta.org.uk/homeaccess Home Access Grant helpline: Tel: 0333 200 1004 Minicom: 0121 748 1471