Becoming a Learning Destination

Children’s University Passport to Learning

The aim of Sheffield Children’s University is to encourage children to take part in a wide range of worthwhile out-of-school-hours learning. Research by the University of Cambridge indicates that keeping a record and celebrating participation in these activities through the Children’s University has a big impact on success at school.


9,000 children in Sheffield are already earning points through clubs and extra-curricular activities held on school premises. In Sheffield we know that there are many more equally valuable opportunities beyond the school gate.

A national Passport To Learning is now being introduced, in which Sheffield children and young people can collect learning credits that contribute to their Children’s University (CU) Award certificates. We are inviting organisations that meet CU criteria to work with us to bring children the recognition they deserve for their commitment to learning in their spare time.

What makes a CU Module?


The activities take place outside of school time and the children’s participation is voluntary.
  • There are clear objectives, shared with all staff and learners
  • There is a structured programme of challenging activities
  • There are opportunities for decision-making and creativity
  • The activity lasts a minimum of 2 hours with opportunity for skils development or is a series of shorter sessions.
  • Tutors are CRB cleared and have appropriate training and/or experience and demonstrate a positive attitude towards the learners.
  • All members of the staff team are aware of and follow policies and procedures regarding safeguarding, health & safety and equal opportunities.

How the Passport Works

Children will present their Passport to Learning, which is their own individual record of the activities they have taken part in. At the front of each Passport, there is a declaration of consent which will have been signed by the child’s parent/carer to allow you to record and share with us the information from each child needed to register their participation. If the child does not have a Passport, they cannot claim CU credits and should not be recorded on the CU register. If children do not yet have Passports, value £2, these can be ordered through the CU office at 10% discount and sold by your organisation.

The activities which children record in their Passport take place at CU validated Learning Destinations which can be venues or organisations who provide activity across the city (e.g. Museums, Brownies/Scouts, Sports Clubs, Libraries). The child will take their Passport to the Learning Destination and after completion of an activity their participation will be recorded in the child’s Passport which needs to be stamped or signed by a member of staff.

Becoming a Children’s University Learning Destination

The organisation will need to download, complete and return the Learning Destination Registration Form which can be found here. Through further discussion, the organisation will then be validated against the national CU Planning for Learning criteria. We will promote the organisations to Sheffield CU schools, parents/carers and children as well as on the CU Trust website.

Each validated organisation will be issued with a ‘Learning Destination’ poster and sticker which we ask to be displayed in a prominent place. You will be provided with the Passport to Learning logo which you may use on your publicity material. We will arrange to visit your activity and support you through an informal evaluation and development process if appropriate. Once your organisation has been validated as a Learning Destination you can begin to register your activities. Below you will find a downloadable four step easy guide and each of the forms required.

How children and young people are awarded their credits

In order to ensure we have an accurate record of participation to we ask you to complete a CU register or sign in sheet detailing the children with Passports taking part in your activity. As outlined above, parental permission to collect this information is recorded in their Passport. The register must include each child’s full name, their school, date of birth and the number of hours they have attended. At the end of the activity or term, the register should be sent back to Sheffield CU so that the children to be awarded one learning credit for every hour they participated. This is added to their school activity score and that earned at other community or city Learning Destinations.

Children will receive, through their school or at city-wide events, Award Certificates at 30, 65, 100 credit intervals up to 1,000 hours. Schools will be notified of the community activities and be encouraged to recognise the children’s achievements.


Cost

There is no charge for becoming a Learning Destination at this basic level.