The Children's University

I have just got back from the fifth national Children's University's annual conference at Shrigley Hall Hotel in Cheshire.

It was great to spend 24 hours at this conference and catch up with old colleagues; Ger Graus, who is Chief Executive of the Children's University and Mick Waters, who was Director of Education in Manchester before he joined QCA to lead on the curriculum review.  The highlight of the conference for me was to listen to Sile Sibanda, a CU student from Rotherham Children's University, whose enthusiasm and passion shone through her brief presentation and made everyone realize the difference this program me is making for so many young people across the country. It was also stimulating and interesting to listen to Professor Carla Rinaldi, President of Reggio Children, who talked about the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the critical importance of good early years education and learning and Professor John MacBeath, Professor Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, who talked about his research and evaluation of the impact of the Children's University over the last five years. We had a great meal last night and the opportunity to meet and talk to so many young and talented colleagues who share a real passion for learning beyond the classroom. The evening ended with a brilliant after dinner speaker;  Robbie Glen, parent educator and former Scottish prison governor.

If you want to find out more about the Children's University you can visit their website at www.childrensuniversity.co.ukapart from,