Computers for Pupils
Additional funding for Home Access, January 2008
Minister Jim Knight announced on 9 January a further £30 million
investment to provide ICT equipment and a safe internet connection for
secondary school pupils in the most deprived areas of England. This additional
funding is intended to build on the work of the Computers for Pupils
initiative, which provided £60 million in 2006-08 through Standards Fund
grants. Becta has written to the Director of Children's Services and Chief
Education Officer in all local authorities in England, outlining how the
funding will be allocated. You can access the letter here.
Revised guidance for LAs and schools on Computers for Pupils and Access to Technology at Home was issued by Becta in May 2008. You can read it here.
Note: In January 2007, responsibility for managing the Computers for Pupils initiative was transferred to Becta. You will find more information here. If you have any queries, or would like to know more about Computers for Pupils, you can contact Becta by email.
What is it?
A £60 million, two-year programme aimed at helping some of the
most disadvantaged secondary children improve their education and life skills
by putting a computer into the home. LAs identified as having eligible
schools and pupils in their area have been given funding to buy equipment,
as well as help and advice covering all aspects of the scheme.
How can it help?
Giving children access to computers at home has been shown to help
their education — children that do not have access can be
disadvantaged. Putting computers into the home can motivate pupils to learn,
help develop key ICT and life skills and give them the same opportunities and
experiences as their peers. But it's not just the pupil who benefits. The
whole family, school and wider community can benefit through increased
involvement of parents in their child's education and better communication
between the school and home.
Who's eligible?
Eligibility has been based on a formula to determine some of the most
disadvantaged Key Stages 3 and 4 children throughout the country. The final
decision about which schools will be receiving the funding rests with each
individual LA in conjunction with its schools, based on the guidance provided.
Schools which are considered eligible will be contacted by their LA. You will
find more information here.
Launch event
An event was held for LAs and Schools participating in
Computers for Pupils. Access presentations and other outcomes here.
Links and resources
You will find details of organisations which can provide further help,
information and inspiration here.
Q&As
If you have a query about Computers for Pupils then you can contact Becta by email.
Last updated: 29 May 2008
