If you’re a low-income family, you could qualify for a grant to buy a computer and/or at least one years’ internet access to help your child learn at home.

The programme is aimed at those that need it most and targets families that do not have access to a computer or the internet at home.

Children who have access to technology at home tend to do better in school exams, learn and achieve more, and have fun while they’re doing it. It also benefits the whole family. As well as allowing parents to find out more about what, and how, their children are doing at school, Home Access will help families to sign up for online courses, apply for jobs online, access online government services, and save money. Using the internet to shop for everyday items and paying household bills can save you around £40 a month – that’s almost £500 a year!

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.

If you think you qualify for a Home Access Grant please call 0333 200 1004* for an application pack or for more information go to www.homeaccess.org.uk.

Families that do not qualify for a grant are still able to buy a Home Access package from a range of well known high street retailers, as well as other suppliers approved by the programme.

*Calls may be monitored or recorded to maintain high levels of security and quality of service. Calls to this number cost no more than a call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. These rules apply to calls from any type of line including mobile, BT, other fixed line or payphone.