Finding out about internet access needs
How to asses whether your pupils or students need help accessing the internet and resources available to help with access and safeguarding.
Applies to England
Children and young people may not be able to access digital remote education at home because they do not have access to the internet, or their internet access is not sufficient (for example, it may have data usage limits).
You may already have some understanding of access requirements for your pupils or students, but the information below can help you to find out exactly what’s needed.
Internet access
‘Internet access’ means different things to different people. For example, they may not recognise that they pay for broadband as part of a TV/phone bundle. Clarify with parents and carers, or young people if they live independently, what they’re able to do online, for example are they able to do their homework without waiting for long periods for a website to load?
Specifying types of internet access at home may be difficult. Ask respondents about the types of issues and worries they may face.
- How do you normally access the internet? (for example, through fixed line broadband or a mobile connection).
- Does a member of your household pay for your access to the internet?
- Are you and your family ever unable to access the internet because you cannot make extra payments for data or meet monthly payments?
- Have you or your family recently cancelled an agreement, with no replacement, which gave you internet access?
Surveys
Use surveys to check whether families know about existing options that may be available if they’re on a low income. Explore other benefits, such as affordable tariffs with eligibility criteria (examples of these are listed by Ofcom). Contact telecoms/mobile providers to ask what support they offer and find out about support from social housing providers.
You may also be able to target surveys about internet access by focusing on:
- families of children and young people who’ve been lent devices to support remote education
- families of children and young people who you’ve previously supported with internet access options available through the Get help with technology service or other sources
- reviewing information from use of your learning platform, if available, to identify children and young people who’ve struggled to log on and stay connected with online learning
Mobile and broadband internet access
If a family is struggling to afford the cost of internet access, there are affordable tariffs available from some telecom providers. These tariffs reduce the cost of staying online and may help families that might not be able to meet standard broadband contract terms. Further information is available from Ofcom about telecom providers that offer affordable broadband tariffs and the applicable eligibility criteria.
The Department for Work and Pensions can support jobseekers with devices and connection to help them get back into work. Eligible family members can speak to their Jobcentre Plus coaches to find more about what support is available to them.
Ofcom provides consumer advice about choosing the best mobile and broadband provider. You can use one of the digital comparison tools accredited by Ofcom to find out what deals are available.
Ofcom also offers a checker for broadband and mobile coverage for services from major providers as well as general tips for checking broadband speeds and availability, improving wifi connectivity inside the home and options for switching broadband providers.
Support from other organisations
Information is available from Citizens Advice for families who are struggling to afford household bills, including telephone and broadband. Guidance is also available from the Money Helper website about saving money on home phone and broadband bills and on mobile phone bills
Families may also be able to find support to stay online through the following approaches.
- Their local authority may have information about local digital access initiatives.
- If they rent their home from a social housing provider, the housing provider may offer free or low-cost internet access, such as through deals covering homes in accommodation blocks.
- The local organisations that are part of the Online Centres Network can help with digital skills support and may have information about local digital access initiatives.
Learn My Way offers lots of free online courses to help people learn to use computers and the internet safely. The learning modules cover digital basics and internet safety as well as wider topics such as using digital tools for managing money, improving health and finding work.
Please note that there are other schemes and initiatives available that are not listed on this website.
Safeguarding resources
These resources include detailed guidance for schools and colleges on safe remote education, virtual lessons and live streaming. There’s also information on how to make sure children and young people are safe online.
- Keeping children safe in education – guidance that schools and colleges must follow when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, both online and offline.
- Safeguarding and remote education during coronavirus – guidance to help you understand safeguarding procedures when planning remote education strategies and teaching remotely.
- Support for parents and carers to keep children safe from online harm – outlines resources to help keep children safe from different risks online, and where to go to receive support and advice.
In conversations with parents, carers and children you should emphasise the importance of a safe online environment and offer support and advice on how to create this. It’s also important that children, parents, carers and school staff are clear on what the reporting mechanisms are if they have any concerns regarding online safety.
If a child is worried or needs support, they can call Childline (0800 1111), download their ‘For Me’ app or visit https://www.childline.org.uk.