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Computers for Pupils
Computer for Pupils is a £60m initiative being run by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to provide home computer access to the most disadvantaged pupils in England. By putting computers and the internet into pupils’ homes, it aims to give them the same opportunities as their peers. It’s provides funding for pupils in Key Stage 3 and 4 who live in the 10% most deprived areas in England.
DfES research indicates that as many as 37% of the target beneficiaries of Computers for Pupils will have some form of additional need or disability. AbilityNet is recommended in the official guidance documents and our experience is that many of these pupils would benefit from specialist equipment to ensure they can access their computer equipment easily and comfortably.
What the funding covers
Computers for Pupils funding can be used for any equipment which is essential for a pupil to use a computer. This includes specialist hardware such as a trackerball, switch or adaptive keyboard and software such as predictive or symbol software.
In many instances, the pupil may need an assessment to determine the best access method for the home computer. Such services may be available through the local authority, but if not, AbilityNet can help.
How AbilityNet can help
We are specialists in helping disabled children get the best access to computer and then get the most from it, with many years of experience.
We can help you support your Computers for Pupils beneficiaries with special needs in a number of ways:
- train your team so that they can provide local advice around assistive technology
- support you in addressing pupils’ needs with email and telephone helpline support
- provide face to face assessments IT access requirements
- determine IT needs quickly and effectively using remote assessments supported by a loan bank of equipment for pupils to trial
- provide core information to allow pupils and families to configure systems to their own needs – including healthy and safe use of a computer for all children
- provide advice to families through information days and family courses.
Our services are offered nationwide through our network of staff and centres across England and we have experience with children with the whole range of disabilities and special educational needs – including dyslexia, dyspraxia, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, learning difficulties, visual impairment and physical access difficulties.
You can call on our services on an as needed basis or via a service level agreement which offers an extremely cost effective package to address most, if not all, of your special needs advice and assessment requirements under the initiative.
To discuss any of these services, please contact John Liddle on 01480 839091 or email education@abilitynet.org.uk