1 to 1 computing scheme at Bretherton

Digital technology is an integral part of our lives and an important and useful resource for us all. Having good IT skills, like English and maths is now a very basic requirement of any employer. Children need to be prepared for an increasingly digital world. Research has shown that good home access to technology has a positive impact on a child’s educational achievement: it can often motivate them to do school work by providing more interesting and engaging ways to learn; they can easily revisit previous learning to consolidate and extend their understanding and they can explore subjects that interest them in greater depth in their own time.

Before we proceeded to the a chromebook device in school, we researched all possible options and had the following at the heart of the decision.

The device needed:

• To be robust; intuitive to use and flexible
• Compatable with school network
• Sustainable and provide high quality educational apps
• Ease of use and ease of teaching
• Versatile and consistent

We are not complacent and do not take the potential risks related to new technology lightly. Therefore, teachers, parents and student consistently work together to ensure its safe use. We believe it is essential to educate students on e-safety issues; teaching them the appropriate behaviours and critical thinking skills to enable them to remain both safe and legal when using the internet and related technologies, in and beyond the classroom.

Why have we promoted that all students have their own devices?

• Use of IT will form part of your child’s future learning and working experience so to build competency and skills is important
• The use of chromebooks will help students organise, communicate, learn and study and home and at school.
• Individual access to technology is not something that should happen in a few rooms at school. It should be for any class at any time appropriate.
• We want children to be able to access the greatest source of information ever assembled in their own innovative and personal way.
• Students need to learn about safe, effective, educational use of technology.

Will this prevent us teaching in traditional ways?

• As passionate as we are about the use of technology in school, this is only part of our educational offer and we hold dear the important traditional skills of writing, sketching, discussions, physical activity etc continue
• The role of technology is to enhance and extend learning opportunities rather than replace those currently being used.

What happens is some children and parents don’t want to take part?

While we encourage families from Class 2 upwards to take part, it is your right to choose not to do so. If you opt out, your child will not be provided with their own device to take home but will have access to a device in school. Our Google classroom platform will still be accessible at home on your own device.

My child already has a device

Sadly, due to safeguarding and our filer system in school, we are unable to allow a child to bring their own technology into school. Our 1 to 1 devices are fully controlled by Bretherton Endowed Admin platform whilst signed into @bretherton login address.

We are asking all parents using the 1 to 1 device scheme to sign a home school acceptable user agreement linked to the use of the device in school and at home. This is in addition to the home school agreement completed when your child starts school. These are signed by school, parents and child.

Transporting

It is important that, for insurance purposes, that your child carries the device in the case or in a school back pack.

The Principles of the scheme

• Fairness- we want all students to benefit from the use of technology, regardless of financial circumstances. We hope that all parents who are able to contribute will do so.
• Sustainability – we wanted a scheme that will be sustainable for the school in light of tough budgets ahead.
• Affordability – we want the monthly contribution to be as low as possible.

What will the students get?

• Chromebook ( currently a flip device with touchscreen capability although this may differ according to availability)
• Case
• Extended warranty and insurance against theft and accidental damage
• Google license software
• Access to learning platform through Google classroom
• Support from school where available

The scheme and its affordability

Governors have been keen to ensure there is flexibility in this offer and that the proposal is affordable to all. Therefore we have engaged a leasing partner to manage the scheme on our behalf ( Learning Foundations Charity)

How much will it cost?

To move forward with the scheme we are reliant on parents sharing our vision and supporting the scheme.

By negotiating with suppliers and buying in large quantities, we have put together a package which represents excellent value for money

The current scheme is £340 one off, £10 over 36 months, £14 over 24 months and £10 over 36 months.

What if I cannot afford to pay for the scheme?

If your child is entitled to free school meals, a device will be allocated to them to use and we will make this available to use at home where needed, but Bretherton Endowed will remain the owner of the device and we will ask parents to commit to keeping the device safe through a home school acceptable use agreement.

No child will be excluded from the scheme because of their financial circumstances so please come and talk to us so we can ensure your child is included.

Who owns the device?

• Thoughout the lease term of 3 years the device will remain the property of Bretherton Endowed. Ownership of the device will transfer to you on completion of all agreed contributions or your child leaving school, subject to full contributions being made. The school will remain owner for the purpose of insurance and warranty for the 3 years.

What happens if the device gets lost or damaged?

• The device is insured for accidental damage ( provided it is in the recommended case) and theft.
• However, if your child is careless or damages the device deliberately, you will be asked to cover the cost of repair. If it is lost, it will not be covered by insurance. If stolen, it will need to be reported to the Police and a crime number provided.

Access to learning by the student

• Students will submit and access work through Google classroom.
• Students will access their learning in school through this in addition to face to face teaching and can access at home.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact school on 01772 600431 or email: bursar@bretherton.lancs.sch.uk