The Children’s University marks 100th gold award with expansion into 13 Rotherham schools

Over 45,000 children and young people from schools across the city have participated in the Sheffield Children’s University programme since it began in 2008.
Children’s University expands into Rotherham schools as success for activity programme growsChildren’s University expands into Rotherham schools as success for activity programme grows
Children’s University expands into Rotherham schools as success for activity programme grows

It is testament to its popularity with children and young people that CU now celebrates its 100th Gold awards ceremony.

The Children’s University is a national charity which works with schools to encourage participation in extra-curricular activities particularly with children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Children attend special graduation ceremonies when they have reached a target number of activity hours.

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Senior project officer for Sheffield Children’s University, Katie Hamshaw, said: “It has been hugely rewarding to see the programme grow and move forward. From the point when children start to collect CU credits at school as well as activity providers across the city through the Passport to Learning, to the day they receive an award in recognition of their completed out of school activities. CU makes a real difference to young people and their families.

“I am thrilled to be celebrating the 100th award ceremony for the Sheffield Children’s University programme. CU has gone from strength to strength since it started, seeing over 70,000 awards given and over 100 schools participating.

With activity well underway to expand across South Yorkshire as part Sheffield Hallam University’s South Yorkshire Futures project, it comes as no surprise that CU has attracted interest from outside Sheffield.

Katie added: “As part of our work with Sheffield Hallam University, I am thrilled to confirm that 13 schools in Rotherham have signed up to the CU programme for this term. The CU has a unique brand and reputation and it is fantastic that Rotherham has recognised the success of the programme and the impact it has made in Sheffield. With support from Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, we are able to extend the reach of the programme beyond Sheffield, and with Rotherham on board we can expect more growth in future.”

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A link to growth in success rates in numeracy and literacy compared to non-participants has been found in the Children’s University annual report for 2018/19 which was published last month.

Visit sheffield.gov.uk/cu for details.