Children's University Challenges and Validated learning materials

As well as working with schools, The Education People and Children's University staff are committed to supporting children, young people and their families with home learning and enrichment opportunities.

We appreciate that this is an uncertain time for families but we hope that these home learning resources help you enjoy your time with your children, even in times of social distancing, self-isolation and possible lockdown.  Making happy memories, whilst learning during this time, will be very important to all.

These links have been given to us by a variety of partners including The Education People Advisors, Children's University Managers, Learning Destinations, libraries and partners such as The Royal Bank of England.  

This section of our website will be updated each day so do come back every now and then to see what's new.  Do click on the subject links on the left tab for more specific resources available to schools and families.

Children's University Spring Challenge activities (for children aged 5-14)

If there are duplicates of activities in the Challenge packs below, you would need to submit separate pieces of evidence to show that multiple activities took place.  For example, if two CUs suggested baking an Esater treat, you would need to bake two different items and submit the different evidence to the relevant CU.

Croydon and New Forest Children's Universities Bumper Challenge

• These activities can be completed up to July.  For this Challenge, you would need to complete an activity sheet for each activity completed.  In July, you can email The Hive (lstout@thehive-croydon.org) to request the Learning Activity codes for your child's Passport to Learning.

East London Children's University's Spring Challenge

• How many of our special Bumper Home Challenges can you complete? Gain one credit in your passport for every activity completed - complete as many as you can. Show evidence to your school coordinator or local CU after 25th April to get your passport stamped.

Essex and Suffolk Children's Universities' Bumper Challenge

• Special Bumper Challenge March to April 2020.   Complete your challenge and take the evidence into your school for CU Learning Credits to be awarded. Alternatively email your evidence to admin@essexchildrensuniversity.co.uk or manager@suffolkchildrensuniversity.co.uk

Kent Children's University's Spring Challenge

• Families can complete this Challenge together throughout Spring and possibly beyond, depending on the development of the COVID-19 virus in the UK.

Kent Children's University and The Education People's Online Protection team's Safer Internet Challenge

• We launched this back in February 2020, to coincide with Safer Internet Day but have reopened the Challenge so families can get involved again.  Please note:  If you decide to decorate pebbles, please keep hold of them until we are permitted to move around freely outdoors again.

National Children's University Challenges and downloadable activities

• Children's University is all about encouraging participation in learning beyond the classroom. At present many of the destinations, clubs and social spaces that we typically signpost people to are not as accessible as they would normally be due to the spread of COVID-19. It's important to follow official advice and parent / school discretion when deciding whether to attend any public learning destinations. We have provided links to official guidance here.
  

Children's University downloadable activities

You can find the instructions on how to collect the credits inside the packs:

Bigfoot - Creative Arts Activity Pack

• Up to 6 Learning Credits from Bigfoot

Cineclub - CU Activity Pack 

• Up to 6 Learning Credits from Cineclub

CREST STEM Awards

• 8 Learning Credits available per level

Discovering Eurostar - Activity Pack

• 2 Learning Credits from KCU

EDF The Pod activities

• Parents would need to register here to access the materials.  1 Learning Credit per activity completed (maximum of 8).  Credits issued by KCU.

Night Zookeeper Activity Pack

• For up to 6 Learning Credits

Pawprint Badges Challenge

• 1 Learning Credit per Challenge completed (maximum of 10 per term) from KCU

Roosterbank Rookie Money Matters - CU Activity Sheet 

• 2 Learning Credits and a certificate from the Bank of England and KCU

RSPB Love Nature: Wild Challenge 

• 6 Learning Credits for each Level completed available from RSPB

Think U Know resources for parents and education packs

• To help you during COVID-19 and the closure of schools, they will be releasing new activity packs with simple 15 minute activities you can do with your child to support their online safety at a time when they will spending more time online at home. Download your first pack today!

• If you are part of Children's University, Essex CU has Validated the following activities.  For each of these completed challenges CU Learners will receive 1.5 hours of Learning Stamp credit.  You will need to keep the evidence to email to kcu@theeducationpeople.org in the future:

1. Suitable for children aged 4 to 5
2. Suitable for children aged 5 to 7
3. Suitable for children aged 8 to 10
4. Suitable for children aged 11 to 13
5. Suitable for children aged 14+

Children's University Learning Destination learning resources

Home learning resources from Kent Music (a Kent Children's University Learning Partner)

• Stuck for practical music making ideas to try at home?  Here are a selection of ideas for children aged 8+ to try. You just need a computer, phone or tablet - all the programs and apps listed here are free!

Ideas Test home creativity resources (a Kent Children's University Learning Destination)

• Ideas Test is showcasing special events and activities via their Social Media channels.  Examples include Cirque du Soleil's Zed, interviews with artists and activity ideas for the home.

Leeds Castle's educational resources (a Kent Children's University Learning Destination)

• Their Educational Visits leaflets, guides, and other useful information are available to download in PDF format from the link above.

Maidstone Museum's home learning materials (a Kent Children's University Learning Destination and Wheels of Time suite)

• The Learning Team and  #SpikeDinosAdventures are working to create a series of simple info-activities for children. Follow this link to access downloadable activities. We will share the link and an overview of the days theme each day. #SEND #LearnAtHome‬ #KidsInMuseums

Primary-Science Teaching Trust (is a Children's University Learning Partner)

• Our partners at the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) have developed off the shelf resources for running extra-curricular clubs for children. Aimed at teachers or other adults looking for support to introduce a science or STEM club to children, PSTT is creating 4 freely accessible club packs.

Rochester Bridge Trust (soon to be a Kent Children's University Learning Destination)

• Their Fun and Quizzes page has some ideas to try at home or school to find out more about Rochester Bridges and other bridges around the world.

  For those who want to learn more, they have produced an education kit of 12 Sessions for teachers, homeschoolers and families which can be used as a complete programme or any of the any of the Sessions can be used alone.  They have developed the programme by running afterschool clubs for Key Stage 2 pupils and our family bridge building activities.

Wildwood Trust home education resources (Kent Children's University Learning Destination)

• Whether you're a seasoned home educator or you're just starting out, the Wildwood Trust has developed a series of worksheets and activities which are based on the National Curriculum and appropriate for your child's year level. Be sure to check this page often, as they will continue to update it on a regular basis.