As part of our Great Childhood Ambition, we’re delighted to announce that 126 children from local schools in Barnsley have successfully completed our Children's University pilot. To celebrate this brilliant achievement, the children, their schools, and their families were invited to a prestigious graduation ceremony at Barnsley Civic to receive their award.
Developed by the Children's University Trust, the national program has been running for over 20 years in partnership with local schools and learning providers.
In Barnsley, the Children's University has been piloted as part of our Great Childhood Ambition, which encourages support across the council, our partners, and communities to be ambitious for children at all ages and stages of their lives. From early years to adolescence, we want to provide every child in Barnsley with the best possible start and the chance to thrive.
The pilot which included four schools provided children aged 5 to 11 with access to a wide range of learning opportunities outside of the curriculum, including activities before school, after school, at weekends, and during holidays. The pilot also supported schools in enhancing their provision of extra-curricular learning and tracking the impact of the program on children's attainment, attendance, and wellbeing.
The activities cover various topics such as arts, sports, science, technology, languages, and more. All activities are validated against a 'skills builder' framework that helps children develop essential skills such as creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving that will support them into their futures.
The children who had completed the pilot scheme were invited to mark this achievement by wearing the ceremonial cap and gown and receiving their certificates at the graduation event. They also enjoyed a private performance from local musician Tom Masters, who joined the event to celebrate the children's achievements and share his inspiring story of learning and where it led him to today.
Cllr Trevor Cave, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and fulfil their potential. That's why we are proud to launch the Children's University in Barnsley as part of our Great Childhood Ambition.
“We want to work with people across the borough, from education providers and partners to local businesses and communities to support the ambitions of all children in our borough and be proactive in helping them develop for the future.
“We are delighted to see the positive impact that the Children's University has had on the children in Barnsley who have taken part in the program so far, and we look forward to welcoming more schools and learning providers to join this inspiring journey.
“Together, we can make great childhoods possible in Barnsley.”
Following the successful trial across four schools, the Children’s University is now being rolled out across Barnsley. We’re encouraging more schools to take part; schools will receive invites in the coming weeks to encourage them to join the next cohort of learners.
As part of the development of Barnsley’s Children’s University, we are also looking for local learning providers that host enriching activities for children and young people to join the Barnsley Children’s University offer. If you provide extra-curricular activities for children in Barnsley and are interested in helping to build on the inspiring work that’s taken place so far, visit ChildrensUniversity.co.uk/get-involved/learning-providers and complete the online form to get involved.
Further information about Barnsley’s Children's University is available on our website.
