Just to let you know that the home access scheme have stopped issuing any more application packs.

The scheme is not closed and those who have already received an application pack, but as yet have not returned a completed application form must do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Families are not guaranteed a grant until they have submitted a completed application form with correct evidence and received their ‘Notice of Entitlement’.   

Can I urge you to remind parents to complete and return the form as soon as possible so they can join the 1478 Sunderland students who have been successful in receiving a grant so far. We have done exceptionally well as a City and it would be great to grab the last few grants for our students.

Special schools and schools supporting students with specific needs should pay particular attention to the information below.

 Assistive Technology packages

For children with profound Special Educational Needs (SEN) and/or physical impairments

A tailored ‘Home Access application form for Special Educational Needs’ has gone to print this week, and will be available for applicants from next Monday. The process for applying for a bespoke Assistive Technology package has not changed and mandatory documentation remains the same: Statement of SEN, Disability Living Allowance or a signature from the SENCO/senior teacher/LA rep. However, Child Benefit Award letters are not required now to be included as a piece of evidence.

The original Home Access application form will still be accepted for ATp2 applications only, so that this cohort does not miss out.

 The Government has a new programme to support low income families with free broadband and computers. You may have already received an e-mail with the same information but we wanted to make sure that we made schools aware of the scheme by every means we could. Naturally we want students in your school to benefit from the scheme.

If you are a parent and you wish to apply directly check out the information guide to find out if you are eligible then phone 0333 200 1004 for an application pack.

The Home Access programme

Home Access is the government programme which will help to ensure that more children have access to technology at home to support learning.

Evidence shows that home access can engage and motivate learners and support parental engagement.

More recent evidence has suggested that learners who use a computer at home for schoolwork are more likely to gain over five GCSEs and one A-level, and improve the grades attained.

Following on from a successful pilot in Oldham and Suffolk local authorities, the Home Access programme has began its full rollout across England this year

Initially the programme will target learners in years 3 to 9 inclusive. The programme aims to benefit more than 270,000 households by March 2011.

One of the key innovations of the Home Access programme is the choice of equipment.
Low-income families who meet set eligibility criteria can apply to a central body for a Home Access Grant to purchase a compliant computer and internet package from a range of approved suppliers.

All the family could need

The Home Access packages have been designed with a family’s needs in mind.
They include one year’s service and support, pre-set parental controls, installed office productivity suite, firewall and an anti-virus package. They also include the award-winning e-safety guide ‘Know IT All for Parents’, enhanced warranty and reinstatement service in the event of theft, and educational guidance delivered with every package.
All computers come with the dedicated Home Access website to help ensure families realise the benefits of home access.
Home Access packages will be available for purchase by all.

Recognising that some learners will require additional support, Assistive Technology will also be made available.
All of the Home Access packages come pre-loaded with a suite of Assistive Technology software that has benefits not only for learners, but for their families too. Alongside this families can also apply for Assistive Technology hardware such as adaptive mice or keyboard stickers.

There will be a further provision available for those learners with more profound needs where the application must be accompanied with a signature from your special needs co-ordinator .

Next steps 

Naturally we want to make sure that Sunderland students benefit from the scheme. In order to ensure that you need to work quickly as applications are being processed on a first come first served basis.

 Enclosed is a leaflet you need to copy and send out to parents as soon as possible.
You may also want to include a covering letter detailing how the school will support families who want to apply. Support could include help in dealing with the paperwork or an open night for parents explaining the scheme and how to apply. You also need to inform parents that the application must be accompanied by a child benefit award letter in the name of the child they are applying for. Details of how to obtain one if they can’t find it are available here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCreditsandChildBenefit/Childbenefits/Gettingstarted/ClaimingChildBenefit/DG_073779 (a copy of this letter is on the CLC website with a clickable link.)

Any child in years 3-9 inclusive - who is eligible for, but not necessarily in receipt of, free school meals is eligible to apply.

The home access programme is supported by a website www.homeaccess.org.uk Here you will find further information about the scheme and resources to help schools get information out to parents.