A senior councillor has spoken of the added benefits for parents whose children are chosen to be supplied with free broadband access

The first stage of a government initiative to bridge the 'digital divide' by supplying home broadband to unconnected kids has got underway, with one pilot taking place in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Councillor Kay Knox, a cabinet member for children, told the Manchester Evening News that parents will now be able to monitor their child's progress at school more closely.

She said: "We want all families to have closer links with their children’s school and more opportunities to get involved.

"Making it easier for all parents to have good home access will enable all schools to make use of technology in ways they have not been able to before, for example, giving parents the chance to check their child's progress safely and securely at the click of a button."

The children chosen to take part in the Home Access scheme will be aged between seven and 18-years-old come from low income families.