The DfE have announced a scheme whereby parents can contact their child’s school to register for free increases in data allowances for mobile phone users on certain networks.

This is so that children can access the internet on their laptops via their or their parents mobile phone.

The scheme is predominantly for families whose children receive free school meals (FSM), although we can field requests from other families experiencing difficulties as there may be a chance we can get extra support there too.

The scheme offers the mobile data increases for families who:

  • Do not have a fixed broadband at home
  • Cannot afford additional data for their devices
  • Are experiencing disruption to their face-to-face education

The phone companies involved in the scheme are:

  • Three
  • MSARTY
  • Virgin Mobile
  • EE
  • Tesco Mobile
  • Sky Mobile
  • O2

In order to access the scheme, parents will need to provide the following information:

  • The name of the account holder
  • The number of that mobile device
  • The mobile network of that device; Eg – Three

If you would like to register for your child then we have an online form which collects the required information. It can be accessed here until 3.00pm on Monday 25 January 2021.

The DfE also have another option to get a pre-paid dongle which has internet access via a 4g wireless router but in our experience this is tougher to get hold of and the preference is to go via the mobile data route.

Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “We have already been in contact with all of our parents who we know qualify for this scheme but would encourage anyone who fits the above criteria to contact us and we will see what we can do with the DfE. We have put a lot of time and effort into securing our remote learning provision for all children and the uptake evidence is excellent. This scheme only supports provision further and we are happy to help anyone who wishes to approach us for support.”

The full details for the free mobile data can be seen here.

The full details on the free WiFi router can be seen here.