Learning ‘passports’ provide incentive for active children

“PASSPORTS” giving access to activities such as museum visits and cookery sessions are now available to children in Sheffield – who can earn stamps in them over the coming academic year.

The “Passport to Learning” scheme gives children the chance to take part in activities outside of school hours, which they can then collect “learning credits” for.

Their passports will be stamped, entitling them to receive either a bronze, silver or gold award at a series of ceremonies to be held throughout the city.

More than 40 schools have already joined Sheffield Children’s University – the organisation that is running the scheme – for the forthcoming academic year.

Under the passport scheme, children can try activities ranging from karate, Bollywood dancing, cookery clubs and homework clubs, to swimming, outdoor activities, historical projects and visits to museums.

Taking part in most of the activities involved is free, but small charges are levied for some.

During the current school summer holidays, parents will be able to buy the passports for their children for £2 and begin collecting credits through activities taking place at validated “learning destinations”.

Coun Jackie Drayton, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for children, said: “This is a wonderful initiative to encourage and interest young people in a whole host of learning opportunities and activities.

“Now the school holidays are here, there are so many opportunities to try something new and hopefully continue that interest as the new school term starts in September.”