Children’s University

Children are able to collect stamp codes in their Passport to Learning for attending lunchtime and after school clubs, as well as at Learning Destinations both locally and nationally. Children and parents then upload the stamp codes to their personal dashboard on CU Online, used in conjunction with the Passport to Learning.

Celebrating learning is at the heart of the Children’s University. Initially, children are rewarded for participation with Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates. As they progress through the different levels, we expect children to play a more active part in their learning, producing evidence and displays of their learning to achieve these certificates.

Each year we hold a graduation ceremony in June for those members who have achieved a Gold level award (100, 200, 300, etc). The event is facilitated by Wakefield College and parents are encouraged to attend. Wearing a mortar board and gown, children will be presented with an award – just like a real graduation.

What’s Included:

• Your school will be part of a national community of CU learners
• Your school clubs will be validated by Wakefield Children’s University
• We can provide launch assemblies, certificate assemblies and attendance at parents’ evenings and school events on request
• Children gaining Gold level awards will be invited to the annual graduation ceremony which includes the loan of gowns, mortar boards and stoles
• You will receive quarterly newsletters for parents, holiday challenges for your pupils to gain additional hours, plus invites to CU events at Wakefield College
• You will be able to access college led activities in school or at Wakefield College, providing your pupils with an insight into the curriculum offers at FE and HE level
• The CU Coordinator in school will have access to CU Online including reports on participation and skills building information for your school
• You will receive tailored admin support for the team at Wakefield College

To get involved or to find out more information, download the Start Up Guide for Schools or contact a member of the team.

Being an Individual Member means you still get all the benefits of the Children’s University, but you would liaise directly with the team instead of a school staff member.

We will request Learning Hours on a termly basis and post any certificates due to your home address. You will still have access to all Learning Destinations with the exception of lunchtime and after school clubs.

Membership runs on a yearly basis from the date you joined and costs £25 per year. This covers the costs of certificates, the graduation ceremony and activities and events throughout the year.

To get involved, or if you would like more information, download the Individual Membership Guide or contact a member of the team.

Where can I get a Passport to Learning?

If your child attends a CU partner school, they will be able to issue you with a Passport to Learning and an online account. The cost for this is £3.50 and includes certificates, attendance at the graduation ceremony (if applicable), activities set by Wakefield Children’s University during school holidays, quarterly newsletters and invites to events at Wakefield College for CU members.

Where can I use the Passport to Learning?

Your child can collect Learning Hours at lunchtime and after school clubs if their school is a CU partner.

You can also use the Passport at Learning Destinations in Wakefield such as visitor attractions, libraries, museums and at clubs and activities that have been validated by Wakefield Children’s University.

You can also visit Learning Destinations outside of Wakefield – from Scotland down to Cornwall, most cities have a Children’s University! All our Learning Destinations are available on the national CU website. Just search by name or area to find what you’re looking for. www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/activity-search.

What is CU Online?

CU Online is a fun, safe and secure online space to record what your child is doing as part of the Children’s University. It is designed to be used alongside the Passport to Learning – simply collect stamp codes in the Passport and enter them online to add Learning Hours. The codes are unique to each activity and will show you the interests and skills your child is developing by taking part.

Each child will have their own online dashboard which will help them see how they’re progressing towards the next award level. There are also online-only exclusive badges to collect.

As a parent/carer, you are able to access this dashboard using the login details provided. You also have the option to add your email address to the account in case of a forgotten password.

What happens if I lose my Passport to Learning?

All the Passports have a sticker in the back asking whoever finds it to return it to the Wakefield Children’s University.

If it is returned, we’ll make sure you get it back. If it isn’t returned, unfortunately you will have to buy a new one.

For more information download our Parent Guide to the CU or contact a member of the team.