Home Access is a new government drive which helps low income families get access to a computer and the internet to get online at home.

Home Access is the government programme which will help to ensure that more children in state-maintained education in England 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.

The programme is being rolled out across England from January 2010, with eligible families able to apply for a Home Access Grant to pay for a computer and/or internet package.

To qualify, families must have a child in school years 3 – 9 who is entitled to receive Free School Meals which normally means the household having an annual income of less than £16,040. Looked After Children who are in foster care may also be eligible for a grant and their local authority can apply for them.

Download information about the Home Access Programme