Schemes such as Kent Children's University have been clearly shown to have a positive impact on the attainment, self-confidence and self-esteem of young people

KCC is required to meet national targets around current agendas such as Every Child Matters.

Links with Current Agendas

By offering Family Learning activities schools in both Maidstone clusters were able to meet some of the Core Offer targets set by the Extended Schools agenda.

Be Healthy

We offer themed courses specifically for Being Healthy. These courses include Cookery, both using ovens and cold food preparation. Sport and fitness.

Stay Safe

All our courses run in a safe environment. All out adult staff are enhanced CRB checked, the premises all have an up to date risk assessment. We ensure that each venue has a non-teaching adult on site to monitor safety and security and we insist upon a fire drill being carried out at each event. For the duration of the courses the children have a safe and secure environment in which to enjoy themselves.

Enjoy and Achieve

All children who complete our courses receive a certificate to accredit their work. In many of the areas in which we work this is the first thing a child has ever attained.

The emphasis on our courses is 'enjoyment'. The families learn while enjoying the course and more important by 'doing' something.

Make a positive contribution

All our tutors are encouraged to allow the children to have positive input into their course. We actively encourage out tutors to be ready to deviate from the lesson plan and follow the children’s lead.

Achieve economic well-being

Children (and therefore their parents) realise that achievement is possible and that learning can be fun. Our Family Learning courses help parents to be less 'afraid' of education and understand that learning and achievement is a way into better jobs and so out of poverty.

KCU makes a difference to KCC by addressing some of the targets set out in the Study Support Strategy and Every Child Matters. The ECM agenda reiterates the importance of personalisation within the context of allowing every child to fulfil his/her potential. KCU is central to the achievement of this aim.

Benefits for Schools

1) The school becomes a centre for the local community
2) School staff are paid to run workshops
3) Better SATs scores for their pupils
4) A higher profile in the community

Benefits for Communities

1) More opportunities for learning, both children and adults
2) Less crime, vandalism and loitering
3) Helping to build a sense of community
4) Better skilled neighbourhoods 

Benefits for Children 1) Improved knowledge about a particular subject
2) Better problem solving and thinking skills
3) Improved social skills with both peers and tutors
4) Increased acceptance that learning can be fun

Benefits for Parents

1) Children with improved motivation to learn
2) The chance to learn with their children (in Family Learning sessions)
3) An opportunity for progeny to try new topics to see if they enjoy them without having to spend out on equipment and lessons which are only utilized for a short period of time
4) High quality education, with small pupil : tutor ratios for a nominal charge, or even free, in some areas

Please click on BENEFITS below to download a document explaining more abou tthe benefits of the scheme.