Kent Children's University (KCU) is an out of school hours informal learning scheme.

From the 1st April 2006 we have been based within the Community School team of the Children, Families and Education directorate of the Council.

The scheme aims to offer informal learning opportunities to children in order to raise attainment and improve self confidence.

We hope to foster a sense that learning is an enjoyable activity and one in which children chose to participate in. Independent national research shows that Study Support schemes, such as KCU, have a beneficial effect on children's attainment within school, help boost self confidence and have a positive impact on behaviour and attendance during regular school.

Although called a University the scheme is open to all children who attend an affiliated school. It is not only for the 'more able', neither are the courses designed as booster classes.

All of our tutors are enhanced CRB checked, unless they currently work within a KCC school. The format of the sessions is informal with the emphasis on fun. However, there are always clear learning outcomes.

Courses run for up to three consecutive Saturday mornings on a termly basis. We currently work in 14 areas of Kent.

Each class is limited to 16 participants to ensure low pupil:tutor ratios.

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.

We receive funding for the project from a number of sources including Kent County Council, School Cluster Groups, The DES Group (in the Dover / Deal / Sandwich area), Gravesham Borough Council and some individual schools. This funding allows the courses to be offered at greatly subsidised rates or even free in some parts of the county. 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. If children are our future surely we should be investing time and money in them.

Our Aims for Children

• To help them understand that learning is fun
• to build on what they already know
• to provide a wide range of exciting new learning opportunities.

• To develop further opportunities for your child to learn outside school hours
• to ensure your child receives high quality learning experiences
• to share your child's achievements with you.

• To work, in partnership
• to raise achievement and promote learning in Kent
• to encourage the active involvement of the community in children's learning
• to foster a sense of community.