Education Business

Over 130,000 families have applied for free laptops and broadband through the Homes Access scheme.

Three weeks after the scheme launched, 131,938 application packs have been requested and 14,671 filled in and returned, with 5,309 applications approved so far.

Each low-income family whose application is approved gets a Barclaycard, which can be used for a one-off transaction worth £528 specifically to buy the equipment at an approved supplier.

The Home Access Programme was launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Schools Secretary Ed Balls, and pledged that 270,000 laptops would be distributed by March 2011 on a first-come-first served basis.

The £300 million scheme is part of a major drive to close the digital and educational divide between rich and poor and help keep parents in touch with their child's progress and work at school.

81 per cent of parents think having internet access at home has helped this and increased parental engagement is proven to boost attainment at school.

London has seen 1,289 applications approved so far, followed by 789 in the North West, 655 in the East of England and 591 in the West Midlands.

The Home Access computer offer is eligible to families with children aged seven to 14, who are entitled to free school meals and meet strict eligibility criteria.

Carers and foster parents for Looked After Children in school years one to 13 are likely to also be eligible and the scheme will offer bespoke packages to provide more support for children with special educational needs.

Balls said: "Computers are no longer a luxury for the few, but an essential part of education as books, pens and paper. Not only will this help children learn – but it can also help parents keep in touch with their child’s school work as well."

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