A new organisation that will validate the learning that children undertake outside of school hours has been launched in Christchurch.

Dorset Children’s University is the latest in a number of such organisations throughout the country. Although starting initially in Christchurch it is hoped that it will eventually roll out across the county.

The Children’s University – a national registered charity supported by the government - aims to encourage more children, aged from seven to fourteen, to take part in activities out of school which have an element of learning to them. The activities would take place in a number of ‘Learning Destinations’ which could include clubs at schools, museums, sports venues or many other places.

Each child would get their own Passport to Learning in which they could annotate and have verified the hours of activities they have undertaken. After ten hours of learning they will get a certificate, after 30 hours they receive a Bronze Award, with Silver and Gold Awards coming after 65 and 100 hours respectively.

Every year a ‘graduation’ ceremony would be held to present these awards to give the children a real sense of achievement.

At the launch, held at Christchurch Council’s Civic Offices, Jae Harris, local manager of the University, introduced the concept to an audience from local schools and organisations. Jae said: “The concept provides greater opportunities for children to learn and shows them that learning isn’t just something that happens at school. It brings a fun and exciting element to learning.”

Michael Turvey, Chief Executive of Christchurch Borough Council, has agreed to be the Chancellor of the University. He added: “This is an exciting and innovative way of building a better future for the young people of Christchurch and eventually Dorset. It is about raising the aspirations of the young people along with their families and their schools.”

Also speaking at the launch were Richard Hixson, a child and family therapist at the NHS and Steve Pigott, from Kids Club Explosive and the Family Church in Christchurch, who both supported the idea of giving children a greater sense of fulfilment.

The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg, attended the launch and said: “I think this is an excellent opportunity for youngsters to learn extra-curricular activities which will give them a greater foundation of common-sense knowledge and experience.”

Dorset Children’s University has been awarded a grant of £29,000 to set up the organisation here and the launch to children will take place early in 2010. The local University hopes to engage 700 children in the initiative and create an additional 23,000 hours of quality out-of-school learning per year.

Eventually it is hoped that the national Children’s University network will have links with UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) as well as awards for older young people such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.

Further information about Dorset Children’s University is available from Jae Harris at The Grange School on 01202 486536, mobile 07785 935928 or email j.harris@grange.dorset.sch.uk.

The Children’s University website is at www.childrensuniversity.co.uk.