Laptops for learning - Home Access programme new helpline
PLEASE NOTE - THE HOME ACCESS PROGRAMME IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR LAPTOPS.
Existing applications will still be processed. This article is for your information only.
Alfie Finney with his home learning laptop computer
Home Access Helpline: 0333 200 1004
The Government’s Home Access wants every family to have a computer and to be able to go online. They are offering a special deal for a computer and 12 months online for under £600.
And there are grants for families on a low income with children in school from Years 3 to Year 9.
What’s on offer
A computer plus 12 months online, plus a handy How To Guide for around £530. The computer comes with software for word processing and making presentations. For an extra £40 you can get speech software – it reads the text out to you.
Who are the internet providers?
T Mobile and 3
What about grants?
Check out if you’re eligible on the National Home Access Helpline 0333 200 1004.
If you have at least one child in Years 3 to 9 at school and they get Free School Meals, or some other low income benefit, you could be eligible. Phone the Helpline for an application form. If your application is OK you’ll get a payment card and a pin number. Just take it one of the retailers listed here – shop around for the best package!
Current approved suppliers for the Home Access programme (13/01/10)
Note that other suppliers may be added to this list at a later date. Also that each supplier may modify what it offers in terms of choices of computers and ISPs. If you receive a grant you will be sent a list at the time.
BLi Education
Website: http://homeaccesscomputers.com
Telephone queries 0800 2585990
Currently offering netbook, laptop and PC alternatives
Currently offering internet access via ‘3’
No additional retail links
Order via phone or website (Phone if a direct purchase rather than a grant)
Centreprise
Website: www.cihomeaccess.co.uk
Telephone queries: 0800 009 3636
Currently offering netbook and laptop options
Currently offering internet access via ‘3’
Additional retail links: Appolo2000, BrightHouse, Hughes, Phones 4 u, Three Mobile, Mutual
(There is a store locater on the website)
Order via phone, online or by going into one of the listed stores. (Phone if a direct purchase rather than a grant)
Comet
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/advice/899/Home-Access
Telephone queries: 0844 800 9595
Currently seems to be offering just a laptop option
Currently offering ‘T Mobile’ or ‘3’ for internet access
Order; Phone or via local store (There is a store locater on the website) Not yet clear whether you can make a direct purchase or whether Comet is just dealing with grants.
Misco
Website: http://misco.co.uk/homeaccess
Telephone queries: 0800 294 4517
Currently offering netbook, laptop and PC options
Currently offering internet access via ‘3’
No additional retail links
Order via phone (Currently grant holders only)
Positive IT Solutions
Website: http://positiveitsolutions.co.uk/ha
Telephone queries: 0800 612 7373
Currently offering netbook and laptop options
Currently offering internet access via ‘3’
Additonal retail link: Cartridge World
Order via phone, online or via Cartridge world (Phone if a direct purchase rather than a grant)
XMA
Website: http://xma4ha.co.uk
Telephone queries: 0800 988 4464
Currently offering netbook and laptop options
Currently offering internet access via ‘T Mobile’
Additional retail link: T Mobile store
Order via phone, online or via a T Mobile store (Currently grant holders only)
Did you know?
If you qualify for a grant and have children (Years 3 to Year 9) with specific ‘additional needs’ (e.g. a Statement of Special needs), you may be able to get extra help. Find out more from your school before you apply for the grant.
What else?
Not sure which computer is best? A laptop is handy for most families. You want an integral DVD. And WiFi too. Ask your children’s school teachers what they think.
Trouble getting connected?
The shop where you get your computer can’t be sure that your online connection will work. Like a mobile phone, you could be in a blackspot. Make sure you talk to the shop about this before you buy.
If you’ve had a grant, but can’t get connected, you’ve got 14 days to return the package.
But don’t forget: your wireless connection may work in other places.
Can I get some support?
Some councils and some schools may set up support groups. Why not call your local Traveller Education Service to see what help they can to offer?