Centerprise International offers Becta Home Access Programme packages through major national retail stores

Becta Home Access Programme - Providing home computer packages to eligible low income families

Centerprise International, one of the largest and most respected IT providers in the UK, has been selected as an approved supplier for the Home Access Programme government scheme managed by Becta. The programme gives eligible low income families local authority grants to help them purchase the very latest in home computing technology including personal computers, for the purpose of further education and learning in the home. Working in partnership with Centerprise, retailers Apollo, Bright House, Hughes Electrical, Mutual and Kinston and Phones 4 U will offer a range of flexible home computing packages to suit everyone’s needs . The full range of Home Access home computing packages will also be on display at the popular BETT education show taking place at Olympia, London, 13th-16th January 2010, stand’s S36 and A31. At present three quarters of a million households with children lack an information and communications technology (ICT) device and even more homes lack high quality broadband connectivity*. The Home Access initiative is available to two hundred and seventy thousand low income households and will give families financial and technical assistance, helping them to get online safely and securely in the comfort of their own home. The scheme is an exciting, rewarding and successful experience for learners of all ages and abilities; it also gives parents practical advice, helps improve their communication with teachers and is likely to help their children do better at school. The Home Access Programme is a government scheme managed by Becta and forms part of the Next Generation Learning initiative. Eligible applicants may qualify for one of the following packages: • Full package (a computer, one year's internet access, service and support). • A computer, service and support only. • One year's internet access only. The home packages have additional items included such as loaded with ‘Know IT All’ the safety guide for parents, ‘pre-set up’ making it faster and easier to get going, ‘pre-loaded software’ to enable families to create documents, spreadsheets and more, and ‘pre-set parental controls’ designed to help keep children safe when online. A free phone number for a year’s technical support and warranty is provided together with a one year reinstatement in case of theft. Centerprise’s retail partner stores are located throughout the UK, for further information on the Next Generation Learning programme and flexible computer packages, visit your nearest participating stockist or alternatively purchase directly on line from Centerprise www.cihomeaccess.co.uk. - ends - Editor’s Notes If you are attending the BETT show and would like to find out more about the Home Access Programme please visit stand A31 or contact * Source: Institute of Fiscal Studies analysed data from the DCSF Longitudinal Survey of Young People in England DCSF Impact Assessment of Home Access Criteria for eligibility for Home Access Basics: • Learner in years three to nine inclusive (normally, this will be learners aged between 7 and 14 inclusive) • Learner enrolled fulltime in a maintained learning establishment and learner funded by Government • Learner has not received a Computers for Pupils device previously • Programme is targeting those who do not already have home access Learner Eligibility: • Learner registered for Free School Meals (under standard national rules, not the rules for FSM Pilots) • Learner is a ‘Looked After Child’ whose housing is not directly supplied by a Local Authority Parental Eligibility If the leaner isn’t eligible as described previously they may still receive a device if: • Parent receiving Income Based Jobseekers Allowance • Parent receiving Income Support • Parent receiving Child Tax Credits (but no Working Tax Credits) and household income under £16,040/year • Parent receiving Guaranteed Pension Credit • Parent receiving Income-Related Employment Support Allowance • Parent receiving support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • First phase applications will be open to learners in years 3 to 9 (KS2 and 3) • Maximum of one grant per household. About Home Access Programme The Home Access Programme is a government programme managed by Becta and forms part of the Next Generation Learning initiative. Becta is the government agency leading the national drive to ensure the effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning. It is Becta’s ambition to utilise the benefits of technology to create a more exciting, rewarding and successful experience for learners of all ages and abilities, enabling them to achieve their potential. Over 270,000 low income households will benefit from the scheme. The programme targets families with children aged 7-18 in full time state-maintained education, providing home technology and financial assistance for home computing. www.homeaccess.org.uk

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