Your Questions Answered
Why does my child need his/her own netbook?
Having good ICT skills is becoming a basic requirement of any employer. Children need to be prepared for an increasingly digital world. Research has confirmed that good home access to technology has a positive impact on a child’s educational achievements; it often motivates them to do schoolwork, their work is better presented so their self-esteem grows and they can explore subjects that interest them in their own time.
What if I don’t want to take part?
While we would encourage all families to take part, it is your right to choose not to do so. If you opt out your child will not be provided with his/her own device to take home.
Who owns the netbook?
The netbooks are the property of the school and are provided to the students at the discretion of the school. Your contribution is a charitable donation towards the programme, not a payment towards the netbook. To make the programme affordable to all, additional funds will be provided by the school and we will also apply for grants to help support those families who cannot afford to contribute.
What happens if the netbook gets damaged or lost?
The netbooks will be insured for accidental damage and theft. However, we will pay an excess on any claim so it is important that the children learn how to take good care of their equipment. Families may have to pay towards the cost of replacement or repair caused by inappropriate use or lack of care.
Why can’t the school provide these for nothing?
The school receives some funding for ICT in school which pays for our network, the website, ICT suites, printers and software. Equipment for use at home and for personal use by your children is over and above this, which is why we have to ask our families to make a contribution. Without your help the programme will not be sustainable.
What happens if I can’t make the regular donations?
No child will be excluded from the programme because of their financial circumstances so please come and talk to us so we can ensure your child is included.
Can I contribute by cash or cheque?
Collecting cash involves a lot more work and administration costs for the school so our overwhelming preference is for you to sign a direct debit. However, if this is not possible then the school will be able to make arrangements to make sure you can contribute in a way that works for you and the school.
What happens if I change my mind in a few months time?
Changing your mind halfway through the programme would compromise the school’s finances as we will have already purchased the netbooks. This is a commitment to the children that needs to be seen through. If your financial situation changes please come and talk to us.
Can’t I go and buy a cheaper netbook in the High Street?
Yes, almost certainly. But this isn’t just about a netbook. The Writhlington E-learning programme provides a fully insured netbook with extended warranty, all the software that your child will need, technical support whilst at school and easy access to learning resources on the school’s learning environment.
The netbooks can be used at school during the day as well as at home in the evenings and weekends. In contrast, personally owned netbooks or laptops cannot be connected to the network at school or supported by our technical team and to purchase the educational software we use would cost you several hundred pounds more.
I already have a computer or laptop at home, why should I have another?
We recommend that every child has access to their own dedicated computer to aid their learning rather than share with other family members. Your child will benefit from using the same device both at school and home in terms of continuity, ease of use and access to school software.
Why am I making my donation to the e-Learning Foundation?
The e-Learning Foundation is a registered education charity that is collecting parental donations on our behalf to save us administration costs. They will collect your donation every quarter, apply for tax relief where applicable, and then grant the money back to us to pay the programme expenses.
Do I have to sign the Gift Aid declaration?
It is vital that you do this if you are a UK taxpayer; otherwise the cost of administering the collection of monthly donations has to come out of your donation. Gift Aid applies to cash and cheque contributions as well as direct debits so please do sign it if you are a taxpayer.
Will we be able to access the Internet?
If you have Broadband at home the netbook will be able to connect to that. A wireless router that plugs into your Internet line is a really good idea as the netbook we provide will be wireless enabled. If you do not have Broadband at home then we can advise you on your options.
Will our children be safe if they have to carry the netbook home?
We all need to be aware of the risks the children could face on their way home but we have no recorded incidents involving netbooks. All netbooks are security tagged and protected, but if a child is approached for his/her netbook they should hand it over without resistance and then inform you so you can let the Police and the school know.
Why should I contribute if others don’t?
We will only run this programme if parents want it, and are prepared to contribute. While a small number of families in difficult circumstances can be accommodated, unless there is widespread support for the programme then the school will not be able to provide it. We do hope that you will see the benefits for your child and will support this programme.
Will we need to buy any other equipment?
Ideally every student should have access to the Internet at home. Broadband is ideal as it is quicker than a dial-up service. The netbooks will be wireless enabled.
