In the development of a national ‘Planning for Learning’ process, a unique and innovative approach to the validation of learning opportunities in out-of-school-hours settings has been devised with the support of Professor John MacBeath of the University of Cambridge. The ‘Planning for Learning – A National Framework for Validating Learning’ document sets out a rigorous process of self-evaluation and planning to ensure that the highest quality of learning is provided in all Children’s University learning activities and in all activities accredited by the CU. The approach to the ‘Planning for Learning’ process is a positive one and will fit in with the ethos and focus at local Children’s University level.
Local Children’s Universities may want to prioritise local provision to be validated to their local CU agenda and capacity and build their pool of ‘Learning Destinations’ from there – the ‘pebble-in-the-pond’ approach. As far as their own learning provision is concerned, validation in existing local CUs can take place as and when learning activities occur; typically therefore all local CU provision should be validated within a 12 month period from becoming active.
Once the validation process has been completed and the outcomes agreed, the ‘CU Learning Destination Summary’ (from the ‘Planning for Learning’ document) will be completed and published on the national Children’s University website. Children and parents can then access a national bank of public ‘Learning Destinations’ to visit after school, during school holidays or weekends. By being able to exercise choice as to where to use the ‘Passport To Learning’ the child will be developing in to a more independent learner.
Participation in the ‘Learning Destination’ process is a part of the membership criteria of the national Children’s University.
‘Planning for Learning’ validators will have been accredited by the national Children’s University following their participation in a national CU training programme. The training has been designed with the support of Professor John MacBeath and his team from the University of Cambridge. ‘Planning for Learning’ validators will be issued with a national Children’s University certificate which entitles them to validate learning provision locally on behalf of the national CU and award ‘Learning Destination’ status. The certificates are linked to the national membership status of the local Children’s University.
A national register of ‘Planning for Learning’ validators by local CU will be retained by the national Children’s University for quality assurance purposes and to share resources and good practice. Continued professional development will be made available to ‘Planning for Learning’ validators annually as a ‘Planning for Learning’ ‘service’.
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Click here or on the above image to read the
Foreword by Professor John MacBeath of the University of Cambridge and the
Introduction by Ger Graus, Chief Executive of the Children’s University.
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If you wish to purchase a copy of 'Planning for Learning' then contact us.
This certificate is awarded to CU validators on completion
of the validation training. Click here or on the certificate
above to view a larger image.