We need all our children to be part of the Digital revolution

As the Digital revolution gathers pace, having a Computer at home is no longer a luxury, and children who do not have access to one are at a disadvantage.

The Government wants to narrow the educational divide between wealthy and underprivileged families

Things have moved rapidly over the last decade. Ten years ago computers were only just beginning to be a feature of the classroom. Now  as part of our committment to making britain one of the leading countries in digital technology ICT plays a part in every lesson in the new primary curriculum.

Having access to a computer matters. It will help children do their school work well, It will give them skills they will need for work, and it opens doors to the wealth of information that is taken for granted by anyone with broadband access.  

A recent study from the Institute of Fiscal Studies suggested having a laptop at home could lead to a two grade improvement in one subject at GCSE.

Because having good computer skills is an important part of raising the aspirations of children who may come from poorer families I enthusiastically support the £300m Home Access scheme, will give free laptops and broadband access to 270,000 of our poorer families.

Families with children in school years three to nine (aged around seven to 14), who are entitled to free schools meals, and do not already have a broadband connection will be able to apply for a grant to buy a computer and broadband connection from an approved supplier.

Children in care or with special needs up to the age of 18 are also eligible for the scheme.

Eligible families will get a free laptop to keep, and one year of free broadband connection, which they can choose to renew themselves once the year is finished.  They also get the normal technical support and guarantee.

The national rollout follows successful pilots in Suffolk and Oldham.

This looked at how the children and families benefited from the scheme. Many parents reported that they had greater involvement in their children’s learning, but also that the children were teaching them how to use the computer. Many parents also said they had also used their Home Access computer to access public services online and look for work. If this is so then it may be helping whole families to raise their aspirations.