London, January 11: More than 270,000 free laptops with broadband will be given away to low income familes under a new Government scheme.
Gordon Brown is promising a free laptop to families on a low income
Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he wants all families to be linked up to their children’s schools via the internet.
It will enable them to access reports on their attainment, behaviour and other needs.
To make that achievable, he will pledge £300m of investment to help poorer families who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
Mr Brown was addressing an international education forum in Westminster today.
“We want every family to become a broadband family, and we want every home linked to a school,” he was due to say.
Promises: Gordon Brown
“For those finding it difficult to afford this, today I can announce the nationwide rollout of our home access programme to get laptops and broadband at home for 270,000 families.
“It will mean all families can come together, learn together and reap rewards together.
“So the mother who’s worried about her son struggling with his reading can find out more about how she can help.
“Or the dad who works long hours and can’t make a parents’ evening can keep in touch with his daughter’s progress, at whatever time of the day or night that he’s free.”
The move is designed to back up the Government’s pledge that all parents will be able to access school reports about their children online.
The pledge is contained in the Children, Schools and Families Bill.
—Agencies