Oh look, a great scheme that HE children are not allowed to benefit from

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

The Home Access grant for a computer and internet access, worth up to £600 for families on low incomes or benefits.

HE children do not qualify though

[musicposy]

This was mentioned in the speech in the house of commons yesterday. About how the govt are pretending that this new bill will bring in greater cooperation with and support for HE families, how they respect their right to HE - and yet every bit of funding that is available, is specifically NOT for HE children.

We're taxpayers too - the govt makes their stance on HE very loud and clear through this sort of thing. Actions speak louder than words.

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

It is infuriating - all this ££££ for monitoring and interfering and assessing and general poking of HE families, yet any real concrete support is denied.

[Bleatblurt]

I'd love to add something intelligent and witty but I'm stuck with the thought - what a pile of wank! Just typical.

[lou031205]

It isn't just HE children though, is it? All children at private schools are also excluded. So more a case of "If the government are responsible for your education, you qualify".

By choosing to either HE or privately educate your children, you are effectively saying "I don't need your services" to the government.

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

Well, maybe the Govt. should let that work both ways then and stop trying to interfere in how HE families go about their daily business, under the guise of 'supporting' them.

[Bleatblurt]

You are excluded if you are not on a qualifying benefit. Without over simplifying things I'd say private school = family with plenty of money. There are a lot of HE'ers that don't have oodles of spare cash but can't benefit from this grant.

[skidoodle]

"Well, maybe the Govt. should let that work both ways then and stop trying to interfere in how HE families go about their daily business, under the guise of 'supporting' them."

Yes, that is exactly what they should do.

[EldonAve]

but how many HEs receive any of the section 2 benefits?

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

EldonAve - no idea offhand, but I can't see how thats relevant. Even if it was just a handful of families, the benefit to them would be immense.

[EldonAve]

the press notice suggests that they expect 270,000 families to benefit

They also mention "Unemployed parents say having the internet has helped them apply for jobs and get better skills"
So it's not just about the kids - they want the adults to get jobs

[LauraIngallsWilder]

Lou - that point makes sense
But I dont feel as if I have said to the govt "I dont require your assistance in educating my children" (although legally I have I guess)
In my brain I have said "My ds's school ignored his speciai needs, they didnt seem to care that he felt suicidal even though he was only 7"

I dont live in England so this grant wouldnt help me anyway. I do think its most unfair for those of you that do.

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

I'd agree with lou's point if it weren't for the fact that actually, the Govt. clearly does not think we am capable of educating our children without their continued interference and surveillance (or, as they call it, 'support').

So if they think we need all this 'support', why are we only going to get the bits that are of no real benefit to us whatsoever?

Why are our children not able to access a truly useful bit of support such as this initiative?

[lou031205]

Should have clarified that the statement was their take on it rather than my opinion.

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

I am about to email them and ask why exactly HE children whose families are otherwise eligible will be unable to benefit from this.

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

Still no answer from them despite their automated email reply telling me they will respond within two working days

[Litchick]

I've emailed asking why children who qualify under the financial criteria are not part of the scheme if they're not state educated.

No reply.

Honestly it makes me seethe. There are kids both home educated and privately educated (those on bursaries for example) who should get help here. Not many, but they shouldn't be excluded becaus eof that.
Yet the scheme includes state schooled kids who already have a bloody PC!!!

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

Still no reply.

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

Oooh, an email.

Apparently the customer service team are unable to answer my query, so they sent it on to Becta, but have not yet had any response.

[QueenOfFlamingEverything]

Finally, a reponse, and it is as lou031205 thought.

"In order to be eligible for a Home Access Grant, the learner must have their education funded by an English Local Authority or the Department for Children, Schools and Families. When you withdraw your child from, or do not enrol them in school, you opt out of receiving the statutory funding towards that child?s education. As such, those who elect to educate their children at home will not be eligible to receive a Home Access Grant. For further information please see the advice on educating your child at home available from the Department of Children, Schools and Families."