The Children's University - And How to Enroll!

As parents of special children with additional needs, we're well aware that not all "learning" is done in a classroom environment! Our children learn about social skills at the clubs they attend; balance and coordination when playing sports, and open their minds when visiting the library or exploring Sheffield's museums. So why not provide even more incentive by helping them enroll with The Children's University?

The Children's University is an exciting scheme for children aged 4-16 to encourage participation in out-of-school learning activities. By enrolling in the scheme, children receive a "Passport to Learning" and earn "hours" by attending accredited venues and events; these build up towards certificates, diplomas and even degrees! 

Sheffield has it's very own "branch" of the CU, which makes it even easier for our children to get involved! Our city's museums, libraries and (most of the) sports venues are already accredited CU Learning Destinations, as are most of the Activity Sheffield events and a large number of clubs (such as Scout and Brownie packs; dance schools and football clubs - see here for an up-to-date list of Learning Destinations in Sheffield). 

If you're heading out for a day trip or holiday, you may be able to earn CU hours while you're away! Check for Learning Destinations around the area you're visiting and fill in a diary sheet which you can send in to have your child's learning hours added to the register when you return.

The easiest way to enroll your child in the Children's University is to purchase a Passport to Learning from a branch of Sheffield Libraries (the Passports cost only £2). 

Some schools in Sheffield are subscribed to the Children's University and may provide accredited out-of-school activities your child can attend. Check this list to see if your child's school is subscribed: if so, you will be able to register your child with the CU through school to receive their passport and earn credits for any after-school (or lunchtime) activities they attend. 

Once your child is registered with the CU, they can begin earning credits at accredited Learning Destinations and events. Check this page for an up-to-date list of Learning Destinations in Sheffield.

When your child attends, you will need to ensure their name is added to the CU register, along with the number of hours they have attended for their visit. This is really important - these registers are sent to Sheffield's CU headquarters, where the hours will be added to each child's records. The CU is unable to give credit for hours which are not included on the registers, even if your child's passport has been signed or stamped.

Certificates are awarded for every 30 (Bronze), 65 (Silver), and 100 (Gold) hours of accredited out-of-school activity. These count towards various levels of accreditation, from "Award" through to "Degree", "Postgraduate" and "Doctorate" levels (Children can earn up to 1000 hours of accredited learning hours through the CU to receive a Gold Level CU Doctorate award!). 

Bronze and Silver level certificates can be awarded through school or sent by post. When children earn Gold certificates for 100 hours of learning, they are invited to special award ceremonies, where they can wear a cap and gown - much like a real University ceremony!

Check out this PDF which explains all of the various levels which can be awarded.

If your child enrols with Sheffield CU, you'll probably want to keep up to date on all the latest activities and events to discover what's most interesting and appropriate for their needs.