Free Computer & Internet Access for Children aged 7-14 of Low Income Families

niclon26

I am just about to apply for the computer and internet package for my 10 year old son,any recommendations for pc's and suppliers would be greatfully recieved.

kizzykizzywizzy

rich_shot2003 wrote: »

Can someone please tell me who is the best to order from with getting them out to people? and who are the ones to keep away from?

I ordered mine from XMA & it arrived the next day - but since then i've seen that it is taking longer??? maybe everyone has now received there CB letters & they are getting more orders, but I have had brilliant service from them they even text to say laptop would be with me between 1030-1130 & it was:T

alfchild

Hi again, rang Home Access this morning(the grant place) told them the problems that I (also stated I'm aware not just me) are having with the company BLi. She said that they do encourage us to contact the supplier but I explained this was easier said than done and even emails got nowhere. She took my details and a manager from HA is going to contact me as the companies are recommended by goverment and if they can't live up to the recommendation then a complaint should be made (this is cuttng the conversation short). I said that they are acting like a company going into liquidation excuses after excuses, no return calls etc. So I really encourage people to ring and complain to the grant place as they will not be happy. Also do not feel that because its a grant you can't complain she did say this - all you want to know if whats going on with the item.

alfchild

niclon26 wrote: »

I am just about to apply for the computer and internet package for my 10 year old son,any recommendations for pc's and suppliers would be greatfully recieved.

Hi they send out a booklet with suppliers, please do not use BLi if you read alot of people are having problems with them.

dentonal

niclon26 wrote: »

I am just about to apply for the computer and internet package for my 10 year old son,any recommendations for pc's and suppliers would be greatfully recieved.

A friend of ours got this grant. She ordered the desktop PC from Misco on Monday and it arrived the next day.

rich_shot2003

Not so happy today as had a letter from Home Access wanting more Information like my sons name and school year and school number and that he attends full time education at a state school.
They want this in a letter from the school.
God we put all that down on the Form so we have wasted 3 weeks now and now when we get a letter from his school we will go back to the Bottom of the pile again.

Also i bet the school will take there time in doing the letter that we need so not a happy bunny today.
Dont Home access contact the school anyway? if so they would the information that they need.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Oh dear, that sounds annoying, richshot. In my application form, there was a section asking for the child's name and school details, so I just filled it in when I got it. Then, because she has received free school meals for over 6 months (which is apparently held on a central council database nowdays), I didn't have to provide anything else at all.

And I spoke to an English girl on the phone when I called, so perhaps they changed their call handlers over the last fortnight or so.

They must have changed everything since I applied and got my Toshiba within days.

WELSH-DRAGON_2

I asked about whether Wales was included and received this reply:

Enquiry re Home Access GrantThe Home Access scheme is available in England only and there are no current plans to extend it in to Wales. However, the Welsh Assembly Government is in the process of implementing a One Wales commitment to pilot the provision of laptops for children. The pilot is being delivered through a network of local projects being managed with schools and local authorities and will provide laptops for up to 1,200 year 6 children from disadvantaged communities across Wales. The focus of the pilot is on children aged 10 to 11 in Communities First and/or Flying Start areas. We will be announcing details of participating schools later this month.


Welshy x

karen2

niclon26 wrote: »

I am just about to apply for the computer and internet package for my 10 year old son,any recommendations for pc's and suppliers would be greatfully recieved.

I got the zoostorm pc from Misco online(son didn't want a laptop). Ordered it on tuesday was here by thursday. It is really straightforward to set up , but I think I did a few mistakes initially in my rush! 3 dongle works well even though Misco says I was on the edge of the good reception area (hasten to add according to the website I wasn't!). Helpline was efficient enough too.

Wildside

Just wanted to say thanks to the OP for posting this, I won't be claiming it as I don't quailify but for those that do it is a great scheme.
Thanks Lorweld:A


65,938 people have viewed this thread and 33 thanked the OP