One way to tackle the problem of shrinking information and communications technology (ICT) budgets in schools is to ask parents to share the costs. Although this is a tricky subject to broach when families, too, are feeling the pinch, the contribution required can be quite small.
The e-Learning Foundation, a charity that wants to improve children's access to ICT in the home, runs an equity programme that divides costs between schools and parents. Under the scheme, which normally runs for two years, parents donate a monthly sum of about £10 towards their child's laptop or netbook. During this period, the school, which pays for technical support, insurance, software and warranties, owns the devices. After two years, parents can pay an additional small sum (required by HMRC regulations) to keep the device.
Schools are free to choose their own suppliers. The role of e-Learning Foundation is to offer advice, provide a service for collecting the contributions and to claim tax relief where the parents sign a Gift Aid declaration. It also offers grants to some schools to purchase the equipment. Its website (e-learningfoundation.com) suggests ways schools can gain parents' support, such as holding a launch event, and it also has a section with answers to questions parents may ask.
Chatsmore Catholic high school has been taking part in the scheme for more than two years. Parents of new year-7 children are asked to donate £15.77 a month over 18 months in return for two-year use of a netbook equipped with Open Office software, with free technical support provided by the school. So far 90% of parents have opted in. At the end of two years, the school can transfer ownership of the netbook to parents for a payment of £16. The school says that it has been a good, low-cost way of providing devices that students can use both in the classroom and at home.
