Atherstone Library to be part of the Children’s University
Children in North Warwickshire can put their summer reading towards gaining a qualification with the Children’s University.
In a pilot which will go further afield across the county next year, Atherstone Library has been validated as a Learning Destination for the Summer Reading Challenge which can be put towards a qualification with the National Children’s University™.
Children received information from their schools on how to take part in the scheme at the library. Finishing a book and discussing it with a reading buddy earns a stamp on a Passport to Leisure; six books over the course of the summer will see children successfully complete the challenge.
As part of the National Children’s University scheme, children complete modules requiring a certain amount of time to be spent learning and having fun; activities might include anything from touch-typing and technology to yoga, mini tennis or circus skills.
Warwickshire’s involvement with the Children’s University scheme is co-ordinated by the county’s extended services division which aims to maximise the use of schools after hours via various partnerships.
There is still time for any children interested in completing the Summer Reading Challenge. Atherstone Library will provide vouchers if children do not have a passport.
Cllr Heather Timms, portfolio holder for Children, Young People and Families said: “In Warwickshire, we have a large take up of Children’s University activities. The range is wide, ensuring that children have a variety of activities on offer and also that nobody is excluded from joining in because they are not sporty, perhaps, or academically inclined.
“The reading challenge is a great way to work towards awards with the Children’s University whilst ensuring that children have a safe environment in the summer holidays.”