“There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in” - Graham Green

Dear Parents,

At [insert - name of school] we understand the importance of curriculum enrichment and the impact of offering children learning opportunities beyond the normal school day. We embrace the principle of lifelong learning and see this as vital for the future success of our pupils. We see the provision of lunchtime and after-school classes as another opportunity to encourage our children to be confident, independent learners.

Within school we offer an extensive extra-curricular programme that all have a positive impact on pupil’s development. These include [insert - school activities e.g. Art, Drama, Sports Club, Duke of Edinburgh, Warhammer].

We are now taking this programme a step further by accrediting pupil’s learning that takes place during these activities and celebrating their achievements. We have become an affiliated member of The Children’s University enabling us to reward pupils for their attendance at what will now become modules validated by the Children’s University.

The following information explains the scheme in more detail:

What is Children’s University?

The Children's University (CU) is a national scheme that provides 5 to 14 year olds with exciting and innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours. CU celebrates achievement and rewards participation through certificates. At the heart of its work is the ambition to raise aspirations, boost achievement and foster a love of learning, so that young people can make the most of their abilities and interests.

How does it work?

As I have already mentioned, within school we will be providing a variety of structured extra curricular activities for your child to participate in. An important principle of the Children’s University is that participation is voluntary and takes place out of school hours. Every time a student takes part in one hour of voluntary learning they gain 1 credit towards Children’s University. Young people can gain credits from participating in school led activities or from learning at verified “Learning Destinations” across the country, such as the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Pupils who gain sufficient credits by the end of the year will be invited to graduate from Children’s University at a special ceremony which is to be held at a local University/College in the Summer.

Credit Targets

Children’s University have set targets that young people need to reach in order to graduate, these are listed below

Bronze / Silver / Gold
Award / 30 / 65 / 100
Certificate / 130 / 165 / 200
Diploma / 230 / 265 / 300
Degree / 330 / 365 / 400

Passport to Learning

Your son/ daughter should keep a record of their progress in their Passport to Learning by collecting stamps for all the learning activities they take part in to record their achievement. Each Passportis individually numbered which makes each child, as a passport holder, an individual member of the national Children’s University. Passports are available from [insert – name of member of staff] at a cost of £5.

Public Learning Destinations

In addition to the vast amount of activities offered in school, your son/daughter can also gain credits by visiting Public Learning Destinations. These are places that have been validated by Children’s University and provide learning activities. The Learning Destinations are publicly accessible, such as museums, sports clubs, libraries and theatres. In the local area, there lots of destinations available such as Carol Godby’s Drama Workshops, Bury FC Community Trust and Bury Girls & Ladies FC, Bury Music Service and The Fusiliers Museum. A comprehensive list local destinations can be found on the Bury Children’s University website ( So if your son/daughter takes part in activities provided by these destinations then they can begin collecting stamps immediately. Each Learning Destination has to meet strict guidelines in order to gain the Children’s University stamp of approval (look out for our logo). Please remember that it must be a validated Learning Destination approved by Children’s University to count and should have an official stamp.

There are also many more Learning Destinations nationally, feel free to venture further! The Eden Project, B&Q, Halfords, the BBC and the National Trust are some of the larger national learning destinations. For an up to date list of national destinations currently available, please visit

If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

[insert – name of member of staff]