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Families across the county can now get online thanks to the government’s £300 million year-long national programme that provides 270,000 low income families with financial help to buy a computer and gain access to the internet.

The Home Access Grant, which was successfully piloted before being rolled out, will run until March 2011 and targets families with children in school years three to nine.

The package includes one year’s service and support, pre-set parental controls to filter inappropriate content, installed office productivity suite, firewall and an anti-virus package.

Jane Pitman, executive member for children's services, said: “This grant will help families reap the benefits of modern technology by supporting students’ learning, involving parents and carers in their children’s education and improving the family's economic status through the use of computers and the internet.”

Even the families not eligible for the Home Access Grant can buy the Home Access package for a reduced price.

Andrew Simmons, deputy director - services for young people, added: "We want to encourage as many people in Hertfordshire as possible to apply. This scheme will have very positive benefits for parents and carers and their children so they can learn safely, have fun and achieve more at school."

Readers can access more information on the Home Access Grant and at homeaccess.org.uk/information-for-parents. Application forms are available by over the phone at 0333 200 1004 or minicom 0121 748 1471.