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Original poster

Home Access Project: Free computers for children

69 replies

Peaceflower · 13/01/2010 12:16

After a series of pilot programmes, the Home Access Project is to be rolled out nationally. All qualifying children can apply for a free computer.

As a qualifying parent I wonder if I should apply, even though I already have a computer and internet access at home. According to the website, this does not preclude me applying. Would you apply if you were me - it would stop fights over whose turn it was!

OP posts:
BadgersPaws · 13/01/2010 12:23

What computers are being handed out under this scheme?

I'm guessing that it's Windows based PCs which is just going to continue to push the idea that Computer = Windows and Word Processing = Office.

So more of our tax money going to Microsoft when there are free alternatives out there.

And that's not even considering the security problems and costs that could be avoided by using pretty much anything other than Windows.

Grump.

Original poster
Peaceflower · 13/01/2010 13:04

Details of the scheme are on www.homeaccess.org.uk. From what I read, the successful applicant receives a grant to spend within three months. Eg if you receive £400, you are free to top up if the computer you want costs more. Also you can only buy computers approved by the scheme.

OP posts:
MilaMae · 13/01/2010 16:21

So do we all get another one then?

I personally do not want my tax going towards paying for a computer for somebody who already has one-totally appalled

We scrimped and saved for ours going without other things so will be mighty hacked off if people are just going to get given one for free.

I'd rather my tax went on schools or hospitals. A home computer is a luxury, there are plenty of places you can get online.

I also agree with Badgers point.

GypsyMoth · 13/01/2010 16:25

They also pay for a years Internet access and free tech support. You can choose all 3 or a combination

doesn't matter if you already have it. You can choose either laptop or desktop or someone said you have enough for 2 laptops.

BadgersPaws · 13/01/2010 16:46

I wonder how many laptops will end up on eBay? Computers are indeed a luxury and to be honest if I was in a pinch I'd sell it.

I'd rather then money went to schools instead. Imagine the difference that £400 per pupil could make to many of them.

The web site does say "All the ready to use applications you need – create documents, spreadsheets and much more." I've heard that Microsoft have put money into this scheme so odds on that that's got to mean Office.

As if it's bad enough that the money will end up flowing to Microsoft it's also generating a new generation of users who will believe that Office is pretty much all there is.

Now I'm all for IT and I'd really like schools to go back to teaching proper computer classes and not just how to write Word Documents however this plan just seems crazy.

Spend the money on funding some proper computer teachers and get our kids really knowing how computers and IT work.

2snowshoes · 13/01/2010 17:31

I am all for this if it gives people the chance to own a pc.
bit of a joke if they already have one though.

GypsyMoth · 13/01/2010 19:21

it would be nice for kids to have PROPER access to their own though.....i know of so many families where kids can't get on to do homework. my dd's friend for one!!

she got an ipos few years back,her dad was always playing games on comp,so eventuaqlly she had to come to us just to put some songs on!!

same withthe snow,our older dc had work emailed to them that they could do at home. if kids can all have access to one the parents arent hogging!

Hedwood · 13/01/2010 20:01

If you're interested click here

MilaMae · 13/01/2010 21:52

But we wouldn't be eligible and can't afford a computer just for the kids.

I haven't heard anything so ridiculous a computer payed for with tax payers money because dad is playing games on the other one!!!! Labour are seriously going to fund this!!!!!

BadgersPaws · 13/01/2010 22:06

"I haven't heard anything so ridiculous a computer payed for with tax payers money because dad is playing games on the other one!!!"

Let's face it if Mum or Dad are so selfish that they won't let their child on the family computer because they're playing on it then before the new laptop comes out of it's box it's going straight on eBay so they can fund another years subscription to World of Warcraft.

Bulk buy a load of laptops, save money on the Microsoft tax by installing free software on them and give them to schools where they won't be be used as toys or as something to sell.

GypsyMoth · 14/01/2010 00:30

No mila, they aren't GOING to, they already HAVE funded it!

cheesesarnie · 14/01/2010 00:37

the dc keep getting letters home from school about this and free music lessons.they say look mummy we can have all this!ummm no you cant.
the dc do have internet access,its dh and myself who wait patiently for our turns

id prefer to see the money going towards more schools but hey ho

Ronaldinhio · 14/01/2010 01:11

Only in England?!
Wonder if the scheme is to be rolled out for the rest of the UK?

DollyPS · 14/01/2010 01:20

"After a series of pilot programmes, the Home Access Project is to be rolled out nationally. All qualifying children can apply for a free computer."

Nationally usually means all of the UK not just England and I for one dont agree with this.

If no computer at home fair enough but if you have one dont apply.

Also I do wonder if some will end up on ebay

GypsyMoth · 14/01/2010 07:57

Good old eBay!!

Probably will end up being sold to pay for a habit of dome kind.....

JustGettingByMum · 14/01/2010 08:26

Does any one understand why these particular year groups have been targetted - Y3-Y9?
IME the only time we have justified buying a laptop for our DC was when they started their GCSE coursework in Y10 - or are there already schemes out these for the Y10+?
And to do it we needed to save up and DC contributed by way of cash presents from grandparents at birthday and christmas.

BadgersPaws · 14/01/2010 09:32

The scheme seems to be talking about laptops, why don't they do desktops? They're cheaper, more reliable, more rugged and easier to upgrade.

The real winners from this are going to be eBay and Microsoft.

mamazon · 14/01/2010 09:34

the years targeted are to help children learn basic computing prior to them starting their gcse's. also the scheme takes quitet some time from application to receiving the grant so by the time a yr 10/11 child recived the pc it would be of little use to their schooling.

you can get desktops through the scheme but most people opt for a laptop

xkaylax · 14/01/2010 09:41

i think this is ridiculous, the money could go on much more important things

xkaylax · 14/01/2010 09:41

i think this is ridiculous, the money could go on much more important things

mamazon · 14/01/2010 09:44

me thinks the people that find it ridiculous are those that don't qualify.

I think if your child were at school and being pointed out at school for being the only one at school not handing in a typed and internet researched piece of homework you would think differently.

xkaylax · 14/01/2010 09:48

true but when people already have a computer it is

xkaylax · 14/01/2010 09:48

true but when people already have a computer it is

Peachy · 14/01/2010 10:01

I agree that not having a PC should be a key criterion but otherwise I totally support this (and we don't qualify).Exactly right- aiming at breaking down barriers for children. Home PC access is soimportant for the children.

BadgersPaws · 14/01/2010 10:19

"me thinks the people that find it ridiculous are those that don't qualify.

I think if your child were at school and being pointed out at school for being the only one at school not handing in a typed and internet researched piece of homework you would think differently."

I think that there are just so many ways that it could be done better.

For example.....

  • Loan rather than give the machines, avoids the temptation for hard up families to sell what is a luxury in order to get something they see as more essential.
  • Give out desktop machines, more rugged and easier to fix when things go wrong.
  • Give out the same machine, bulk buy from a central point in order to get volume discounts, would they also then be VAT free?
  • Install a free Operating System on them and not Windows, save on giving Microsoft money, avoid having to worry about the virus issues implicit with Windows and stops the machines being easily used as gaming boxes.
  • Install free office software, more cash savings.

With the money saved you might even then be able to get a printer too which really would help with homework.

As is the scheme seems to be a half baked idea that will put money in the pockets of Microsoft and eBay as well as perpetuating the expensive view that computing = Microsoft and word processing = Microsoft Office.