Utilising the experience and success of Sheffield Children’s University (CU), an expansion into Rotherham and Barnsley has been undertaken. Individual CU centres are now established in both areas in addition to the over-arching strategic function of a South Yorkshire CU.Hosted by HEPP (Higher Education Progression Partnership), the South Yorkshire CU concept draws together key partners from across the region. The aim is to provide exciting and inspiring learning opportunities for children and families, for which their engagement is tracked and rewarded through a proven model (CU) with demonstrable impact on achievement and attendance at school as well as ‘softer’ measures such as confidence, motivation, self-esteem and the development of a love of learning.

Sheffield Children’s University (CU) is part of a national initiative that encourages and celebrates children and young people who take part in learning activities outside of school hours. Learning can be at either CU subscribed schools in Sheffield or at registered activity providers across the city, called Learning Destinations.Jointly manage the project with a particular focus on our work with 200+ learning partners across Sheffield and beyond. Also lead on the delivery of programmes of activities throughout the year to support and encourage families to engage in fun, structured activities and to develop a shared love of learning.Proud that Sheffield CU won the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce President’s Special Recognition Award 2023 for this work.

Project Management of the DfES strategy, Extended Schools for the city.The Extended Schools strategy aimed to ensure all schools in the country were working effectively in partnership with their communities as well as delivering their core curriculum. Using the results of their own consultation, schools were required to meet the needs of their community by delivering access to a full core offer of services by September 2010:Childcare A varied menu of activitiesParenting supportLiaison with specialist servicesCommunity access to their facilitiesI managed a team of 24 Extended Schools Coordinators, supporting them to work with their schools to ensure the full core offer was met across the city by September 2010.

Initially supporting the strategic development of the Behaviour Improvement Programme in Sheffield. A graduate development programme followed, including a range of training and development opportunities and shadowing of senior and strategic leaders within the City Council.Project managed the planning and delivery of a programme of 30 multi-agency workshops to develop and implement the Service Districts strategy across the city (the early stages of multi-agency working to support children and families).Managed a team of six Project Officers, who each led on support and project management to key strategic managers within the service.