Computers for pupils
What is it?
A £90 million, two year DCSF (Department for Children Schools and Families) programme aimed at helping some of the most disadvantaged secondary children improve their education and life skills by putting a computer into the home. Local authorities 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 Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 children throughout the country. The final decision about which schools will be receiving the funding rests with each individual local authority in conjunction with its schools, based on the guidance provided. Schools which are considered eligible will be contacted by their local authority. For more information about eligibility, visit the Teachernet site.
Funding
A total of £90 million has been made available for this initiative over the two years 2006–08. This is split into £75m capital and £15m revenue, with £25 million capital and £5 million revenue provided in 2006-07 and the remainder in 2007-08.
In March 2005 the Chancellor announced £50 million (£25 million per annum in 2006–07 and 2007–08) to put ICT into the homes of the most disadvantaged pupils. A further £10 million (£5 million per annum in 2006–07 and 2007–08) of revenue funding was announced in the March 2006 budget specifically to ensure that pupils targeted by this initiative have safe internet access.
In January 2008 a further £30 million (£25 million capital and £5 million revenue) was announced, to build on the Computers for Pupils initiative, and described as 'Access to Technology at Home'. To read the letter sent to Directors of Children's Services and Chief Education Officers in participating local authorities, visit the Teachernet site.
Guidance
Detailed guidance, written for local authorities participating in the scheme, is available on the Teachernet site. It explains the purpose of the initiative, the benefits, and how it will be run.
For advice and guidance on safety issues and how to use technology safely visit our e-safety area on the Schools website.
To keep up to date with new technologies, schools need to be aware of the potential safety and security issues, so that staff and pupils are protected both within and outside the school. The security and safety section on the Schools website provides advice in areas such as security and health and safety issues.
Suppliers
Becta has run two mini competitions to identify preferred suppliers for local authorities involved in the Computers for Pupils initiative. Both suppliers have proven they can meet Becta's stringent technical and commercial standards.
Connectivity
Synetrix Ltd and T-mobile were both selected through the OGC Catalist framework arrangements to provide 33 local authorities and the National Association of Teachers of Travelers (NATT) with connectivity. This will ensure connections for 30,000 pupils.
Devices
Within Becta's Infrastructure Services Framework agreement XMA Limited, RM, and Stone Computers have been awarded a contract on behalf of 41 local authorities. This will ensure the provision of a range of high quality devices and software.
Case study: How laptops are helping some students
Some pupils and their families and schools are already benefiting from having a computer in the home to help their education. St Saviour's and St Olave's Comprehensive School in London has a large number of ethnic minority and pupils from less affluent backgrounds. Its sixth form pupils have been lent laptops which means they can log in and work wherever they are. Read the full case study on the Teachernet website.
Further information
To find out more about the Computers for Pupils initiative visit the Teachernet website.
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