Children's University

Welcome to the Children's University in Wales, designed to embrace all of the learning opportunities made available to children and young people that take place outside of the statutory school curriculum. The purpose of the Children's University in Wales is to provide a range of learning experiences that can bring all children and young people into contact with their wider communities and engage their interest in learning beyond the school day.

In developing the philosophy and operating procedures for the Children's University in Wales, recognition has been given to the central role that schools have in the development of young people's learning. Close links have been forged between education providers, at all levels, to provide a range of learning experiences that will encourage young people to remain active learners, aware of the opportunities available to them now and in the future. Promoting learning engagement in this way will ensure that the term 'Lifelong Learning' becomes a reality for young people in Wales. Children's University Activity Centres* have already been established in many schools, community and voluntary sector organisations, and further and higher education institutions. This development supports the National Assembly Government's desire:

"To implant a genuine momentum to lifelong learning for all our people; to unlock everyone's capability to acquire the confidence to be adaptable and enterprising."

(The Learning Country, para 8.)

The Wrexham Children's University, a partnership between Wrexham County Borough Council and Glyndŵr University (University of Wales) established the first Children's University in Wales. Within Wrexham we have designed a system that accredits young people - from the age of 5 to 19 - for their engagement in learning, offering them opportunities to access a variety of experiences, delivered in a range of settings. This model has been instrumental in the adoption and implementation of similar models in a number of LEAs, FE colleges and HE establishments within Wales. In conjunction with the National Children's University we are eager to support new providers who wish to offer a structured but flexible provision for the young people in their area.

* A Children's University Activity Centre is any recognised location where a module is being delivered.