Press Release

 

GIVE IT A GO!

 

 

Grants and Free Computers available if you are eligible for free school meals.

 

If your children are eligible for free school meals then there are some great opportunities available for you. The government have set up two schemes in the last year both now operating here in Frome and across Somerset.

 

Every child on Free school meals is entitled to £300 worth of after school or leisure activities free under the Give It a Go! funding scheme and a free computer with internet access with the new Home access scheme.

 

Azeema Caffoor from fromeactive said “We’ve had listing of after school activities for a number of years on our website, but now lots more young people can access the information and get the activities for free”. Young people can use the funding to pay to join a club, sports activity, instrumental lessons, school trips and much more. Judith Westcott from the Frome Community Learning Partnership of schools (FCLP) noted “research commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools, Families has shown that when young people get involved in after school activities they often show progress in the classroom, results improve and young people feel more confident and positive about what they can achieve in all aspects of their lives, it’s just such an amazing opportunity!”

 

All kinds of local activity organisers have joined up to the Give it a Go! scheme and even more are now getting involved in the scheme as it goes national in April. If you want to find out which organisations have joined up in Frome you can go to the fromeactive website www.fromeactive.org.uk or contact Azeema on 01373 452 298 or e-mail Azeema@fromeactive.org.uk.

 

Also available under the new government scheme called Home Access launched on the 13^th of January is the chance for low income families to get a free computer as well as one year’s broadband access. This national scheme is part of the Government’s drive to get all homes connected to the internet by 2012. Steve Kirby, Head teacher at Selwood middle school and co-chair of the FCLP said, “This scheme makes the government’s target a realistic aim. It is a real help to some of our most financially disadvantaged families – the internet has so much that can help our students and, with the safeguarding package which comes with the computer, parents don’t need to worry about some of the risks of the internet”.

 

The grant will make funding accessible for 270,000 children and their families across the country to access ICT at home. Research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies last year suggests that children who have access to a computer for school work are more likely to achieve at least a two grade improvement in one subject and at least half a GCSE grade improvement in other subjects. 38% of teachers in addition now set homework requiring ICT and 35% of families in Great Britain still do not have access to the internet. This scheme aims at partly combating the digital divide. Niel McLean, executive director of Becta, the organising agent for the Government, says: "Having a computer with internet access should be seen as equally essential as having a school bag, a uniform or a pen and paper. The benefits of technology are clear, and it is vital that children are not excluded from access to technology - whether at home or school.

 

If you want to get hold of a computer and internet access you need to call 0333 200 1004 or visit the website www.homeaccess.org.uk.

 

If you are not sure if you might be eligible for free school meals or would like to register so that you can get a computer or access the grant for free activities contact your school.

 

 

 

 

Home Access – Additional information

 

Eligibility criteria for the Home Access Grant:

 

§      Children looked after (Years 1-13)

§      Families that have children eligible for free school meals (Years 3-9)

§      Children (Years 3-9) with parents that receive any of the following:

§      Income support

§      Income-based job seekers allowance

§      Receives the Child Tax Credit and has an income of less than £16,040

§      Has guaranteed pension credit

§      Have an income related employment support allowance

§      Receive support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act.

 

Families may be required to provide evidence of the above when they make the application. They will only be eligible if their children attend a state maintained school full-time.

 

The application process:

 

The scheme was launched on the 13th January 2010. Families will need to apply by completing a written application form which they have to phone up to get from the organising agents. 0333 200 1004 or visit the website www.homeaccess.org.uk.  Once an application is processed a ‘one off use’ debit card will be sent to families for use with their chosen supplier. Only one ‘Home Access’ package is available per family.

 

The Home Access package will consist of:

§      One computer/ device per household with step by step instructions on using the package

§      Filtering software to be controlled by parents

§      ‘Know It All’ digital content – e-Safety advice for parents

§      Various assistive software

§      Productivity software

§      1 years 3g dongle internet access; Additional broadband options maybe added depending on uptake later in the year.

§      Anti-virus and firewall software with pre-paid updates for 3 years

§      Warranty, service and support for 1 year

§      Re-instatement service in the event of theft for 1 year

§      Additional assistance will be available for learners with special educational needs who will be able to apply for bespoke assistive technology