With home schooling being top of the agenda for many local families, Dorset Council is keen that parents are aware of the learning resources which are available.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said, “Thank you to everyone who is doing their bit and home schooling to help Dorset get through the Coronavirus pandemic. We have produced some online resources and guidance to help families get online and improve their digital experience, which I hope is helpful.”

1. Educational programmes to help children learn at home are available from BBC Bitesize.

2. Parents and carers who do not have a device to access online learning should contact their school, college or education setting as help may be available.

3. Customers using BT Mobile, EE, and Plusnet Mobile can use BBC Bitesize content, from the end of January, without eating into their data allowance. More mobile companies are expected to follow suit.

Mobile phone operators have also been launching unlimited data SIM card deals via schools for children in receipt of free school meals.

These applications are generally done via schools. If you think you could be entitled to help, contact your school office and ask them about unlimited SIM-card deals.

How to Get Free Data for Home Schooling during Lockdown is available from techadvisor.co.uk.

Slow broadband can make home-learning difficult so Digital Dorset have pulled together some potential quick fixes, explained below, to help.

In the first instance check if you can get an upgrade. Some areas in Dorset have received full fibre but the improvement in speed is not automatic – you have to sign up for an upgrade. To see if you can upgrade see: mapping.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/superfast/checker

You can also check that you are getting the best possible broadband service by taking several steps; including talking to your internet service provider to see if you can upgrade to a better package or if there is a fault on the line, examine if your router is in the best place in your house or if it even needs replacing.

If your broadband speeds are less than 10 mbps you could be entitled to help from BT/OFCOM’S Universal Service Obligation (USO). The USO either offers you a 4G Home Hub solution or subsidy towards full fibre if you live in a 4G blackspot. The 4G Home Hub is the quickest solution as fibre can take a while to be installed.

For more information on the USO go to Universal Service Obligation (USO) for Broadband (bt.com)

You can still get a 4G Home Hub even if your speeds are greater than 10 mbps from a range of providers.

This is a portable, and sometimes more affordable, alternative to regular broadband. 4G broadband is just like the regular broadband found in most homes – you receive a steady internet connection, you can connect all your devices and you pay a monthly fee.

However, unlike regular internet which runs through cables and Wi-Fi signals, 4G broadband works in the same way as your phone, operating through a SIM card and mobile signals.

This means you don’t need a phone line; you don’t need to pay set-up fees and you can take it on the go. You should also be able to receive it relatively quickly.

If you live in a poor mobile connectivity area the 4G solution may not work. However, don’t just go by your current mobile phone deal as some mobile providers have a better network than others.

If 4G is no good for your property, then satellite broadband could be another option.

People receiving means tested benefits can apply for the BT Basic service, which provides a phone line and broadband for around £10 per month.

Mobile phone operators have also been launching unlimited data SIM card deals via schools for children in receipt of free school meals.

The applications are generally done via the schools. If you think you could be entitled to help, contact your school office and ask them about unlimited SIM-card deals.