Adult's comments

"G suffers from dyslexia and always shies away from reading and writing. However he volunteered to write a piece to read out, explaining what he had learned, at the presentation. This was a huge milestone and a first for him. I feel the course gave him such confidence it was unbelievable."
"I would like to say that G felt quite nervous on the first day, especially as the venue was changed to a different school, one that she had never been to. At one point I thought she was so nervous that she was going to tell me that she didn't want to go at all! Luckily she didn't. However, as soon as she went through the main doors she was greeted with big smiles and made to feel at ease from the start. I'm sure this went a long way towards the course being such a success for G. The tutors/teacher/helpers were all really friendly and made the whole experience a good, and a fun one. Well done to all those involved."

"It was a great shock when my son handed me a letter from his school today (He'd remembered to take it out of his pocket before it entered the washing machine. So I knew it must be important.) To my surprise it was not a letter for detention or a note about school uniform BUT something that was making him grin like a Cheshire cat. (Not normal for a typical "Kevin the Teenager"!) Before I could read the first page he started on a stream of endless words (again not grunts or sighs, but actual words.) The words I managed to understand in the breathless monologue were "cool fings" "every dude wants to go" and "can I pleasssse?" The only problem he had was deciding which to put down for his 2 choices. This was great as in the last 9 school years I don't think I have ever seen him so inspired. We filled in the form and he has put it in his school bag already!!!"

"May I say a huge thank you for adding excitement and enthusiasm into his opinion and thoughts on education and courses. In fact I looked at the courses and thought wow! We never had these great opportunities. In fact I'd love to know who I can get on these courses, as an infant teacher and drama and dance club organiser, the dance course sounded great fun! Thanks again."

"My son was worried about being the only boy in the group, but he has really enjoyed it, and now has another hobby other than Playstation or football."

"Just a few lines to thank you for running this project. Over the past three years both my daughter H and my son J have attended a wide range of courses and have without exception thoroughly enjoyed them. J particularly enjoyed the Digital Workshop last term. I believe this project as well as being enormous fun, by virtue of being held at [our local secondary school] has a key role in transition to secondary school."
" I would just like to thank you and all your team for organising such a wonderful programme. My son M attended the science class. Max loved every second of his time at the university. M and I thank you and everyone at the [host venue]  for such a great achievement and hope your university continues to grow. "
"I am writing to say a big 'THANK YOU' to everybody involved in the KCU course at [or local secondary school] I felt that I must write to say how much my daughter, Al, really enjoyed the course and was really looking forward to each Saturday morning. She was excited to have made the kites, rockets and hot air balloons and 'glowing' after having met the Deputy Mayor and got her certificate of attendance. This truly is a worthwhile scheme and I will be singing your praises to all I know. A can't wait for the January details to be given out at school now.
"I just wanted to send mail to say a very big thank you for organising the family fun learning day... My son and I really enjoyed it and my son wanted to go again next week! We look forward to hearing about details of the next one in our area as we will definitely be attending. Mind you I may have to get fit before then as we did cool cricket and my legs were aching the following day!"
"My daughter S attended the cooking course last week as part of the Children's University.  I am not sure who I should be contacting but please could you pass on my appreciation to all involved in organising and teaching this.  S had a wonderful time and really learnt new culinary skills (which she is keen to practice!) and even asked if she could do another course!  I am also really appreciative of the speed and efficiency of the admin arrangements when her school appeared to have lost her paperwork.  So once again, thank you!"

"My son was lucky enough to get a place on the recent family learning event that we applied for. I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic time he had. I don't suppose many people take the time to say so but I thought I would as I still had the previous email on the computer. It was his first attendance at a course like this and he was a bit apprehensive. He went along with his Nan, who also had a great time as she does not get out that much. He took all the clay objects that they had made into school to show the class. He also took the handouts in, which were relevant to their current topic, and the teacher was able to use some of them with the class. He was very proud of his certificate that he received too. Please convey my thanks to the staff involved in organising these events. We just hope that the courses continue and we can participate again one day."

"We just wanted to say thank you for the crafty capers courses. J did the t-shirt one and the puppet making and enjoyed both (especially t-shirts!) It was also brilliant that siblings were allowed which made it accessible for us otherwise we would not have been able to come."

Comments from centre staff and tutors

"The popularity of Kent Children's University never seems to diminish. We had to offer two glass painting courses for the Spring as demand was so high."

Maddie Grout, from Valley Park Secondary School, said "The Kent Children's University has helped the school to create a system of monitoring student engagement with extended services. The students have been delighted with the celebration event and the opportunity to share their achievements with their parents."

"Children's University courses allow children to experience learning in a fun "grown up" environment. It's wonderful to see them grow in confidence as the course progresses and hopefully it sets them on the road to lifelong learning. As a tutor I derive great pleasure from helping the children to achieve their potential and the four weeks seem to go much too quickly."

Comment from Kent County Council Study Support Co-ordinator

"We recognise the impact that KCU programmes have on the children who attend them, as the children tell us! The children enjoy the range of activities and the opportunity to accrue credits which contribute towards their CU Diplomas. It is a privilege to work with an organisation who puts the child and learning, in a fun and different context, at the forefront of their business." Emma Jenkins, KCC