Information for parents

About Kent Children's University

Kent Children's University is an out of school hours informal learning scheme which has been operating in Kent since 1998.

Although called a 'university' the scheme is open to children of any ability, both home-educated or within mainstream education. It is not only for the more able, neither are the courses designed as booster classes.

We hope to make learning enjoyable - something children actively choose to take part in. Independent national research shows that informal study support schemes, such as Kent Children's University, help children's attainment, boost self confidence and improve behaviour and attendance within school. The government has set challenging targets for raising standards in schools. If these are to be met, it is vital that there are effective learning opportunities outside school hours to complement work in the classroom.

Courses, activity packs and co-curricular learning

• The after-school sessions are informal with an emphasis on fun. However, there are always clear learning outcomes. We ask our tutors to be facilitators rather than teachers, therefore our sessions are often 'learner led'. 
• Activities can be anything from 30 minutes up to 8 weekly sessions on a termly basis. Some hubs offer courses during holiday time as well. We currently work with 3 hub schools across the county.
• Each class has a limited number of children to ensure low pupil to tutor ratios.
• Courses offered will be a wide range of activities. We hope to offer something for everyone.
• In September 2010 all KCC schools were invited to affiliate to Kent Children's University. Each affiliated school is able to accredit any of its extra-curricular activities (for example after-school clubs such as drama or netball). This means children can gain more stamps in their Passports to Learning and progress through our awards programme quickly. If your child’s school is not affiliated why not ask the head teacher to contact us?
• A range of tourist attractions, both within Kent and beyond, are now official Learning Destinations. Children who visit a Learning Destination and complete the venue-specific activities they offer will gain stamps in their Passports to Learning. The list of venues is constantly increasing.
• High-quality external providers are hand picked to offer an enjoyable and stimulating learning experience. All providers who are affiliated to the scheme are Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked and children attending their workshops will be awarded stamps in their Passport to Learning.

Funding

Our aim is to remove any financial barriers which may prevent children from attending.
To achieve this we require further sponsorship. If you, or your business, can help us achieve this please get in touch.

Each venue and external tutor is asked for a small annual financial contribution to help sustain the opportunities. As part of the local authority the scheme is not looking to make a profit, simply to break even to ensure sustainability and growth – thus ensuring more children and families can benefit from the high-quality provision.