Announcement of approved suppliers for home access

Plans to enable every child in England to have access to a computer and the internet at home took a step forward today with the announcement of the suppliers approved for the pilot phase.

The Home Access programme, which will be piloted in Oldham and Suffolk from February, aims to provide practical and financial support for low-income families to get online. Announced by the Prime Minister in September, it will target families with children aged 7-18 in full-time state-maintained education.

The Home Access programme forms part of Becta’s Next Generation Learning campaign, which promotes the best use of technology in learning (www.nextgenerationlearning.co.uk).

“There’s clear evidence to show that effective use of technology really does boost a child’s achievement,” said Becta Chief Executive Stephen Crowne. “We need to ensure that every child has an equal chance to tap into the benefits of the internet to support their learning at home.”

All families in the pilot areas will be able to buy all or some elements of approved Next Generation Learning @ Home packages. These consist of a computer, internet access, software and support services. Families eligible for financial help will get funding from a Home Access Grant scheme run by the local authority.

The packages will be provided by approved suppliers who have gone through an accreditation process run by Becta.

The following suppliers were awarded “approved supplier status” for the Home Access pilot phase:

* Centerprise International Ltd
* Positive IT Solutions
* RM Education plc
* Stone Computers Ltd
* XMA Ltd

Notes to editors:

Each supplier was assessed on their capability to deliver the Home Access package. They had to demonstrate a commercial understanding of the Home Access programme and how to meet the needs of the customer group, as well as their technical capability to provide a package in accordance with Becta’s published statement of requirements for Home Access packages.

The process included practical assessments of technical capability and an on-site assessment of business and quality processes.

About the Next Generation Learning Campaign – www.nextgenerationlearning.co.uk

The Next Generation Learning campaign will enable you to take charge and use technology to its full potential – if you’re a parent, it lets you get fully involved in your child’s education; if you’re a learner, it lets you learn how, when and where you want; and if you’re an employer, it helps you train your workforce efficiently and effectively.

Author:
Press Officer
Telephone: +44 (0)24 7679 7146
Email: press@becta.org.uk