INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
SECURITY : We would like to assure parents that we regard children's privacy and security online as paramount. Although this service utilises internet chat technology it is configured so that your child is only ever in communication with our staff, not with other users of the service. Any personal details (e.g. e.mail address) that your child supplies in using the service are only available to our staff and we will not share such information with any other persons. No third party is able to login on the system and read details of your child or their enquiry.
After a "Homework Helper" session a complete transcript of the "conversation" between the child and our staff will be sent by e.mail to the address supplied to us.
YOUR ROLE AS HOMEWORK HELPER
As for your child's homework - don't forget that you can get involved yourself.
Often a task becomes a lot more interesting to complete if someone else is showing an interest! For example you may like to help your child send in questions to our service or help them find other sources of information. You might also be able to take your child to your local library where you can find information together.
Remember too that we have many online information resources available for you to access from your own computer. These include encyclopaedias and many other titles - in fact it's just like having your own reference library at home - but without having to buy it yourself!
TRY OUR ONLINE REFERENCE LIBRARY:
Essex Libraries members can use a whole load of information books free online.
You just need the number from your library ticket to use these services from your own computer.
See the full range available, or try these ones that we think will be particularly useful for homework:
OTHER WAYS WE CAN HELP...
If you would rather use the phone to ask your question then try our Answers Direct service - open seven days a week on 0845 603 7628. Go to the web page and you can also search through some common queries we've already dealt with or ask a question via e.mail.
Or if you're stuck and it's the middle of the night we're part of Enquire - an international consortium of libraries offering a 24/7 service.
You can also pop in to your local library to get the information you need - we've got 73 of them across Essex and we'll be pleased to see you. And when the homework is taken care of why not borrow a book or two to relax with?
Copyright Essex County Council, 2005 - 2007
