The future looks bright for South Yorkshire!

We just wanted to provide you with a little update on some very exciting developments here at Sheffield CU! Hopefully you are aware that we are always trying to maximise the impact of Sheffield CU and develop opportunities for all. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining our work and the high quality service we have developed and delivered over years, which is accredited at the highest level of the QiSS quality award. We have always done our utmost to grow CU locally and regionally, but capacity needs to grow to support this work and this has been more than a little challenging in the current climate. However, an exciting opportunity has arisen! Back in December we were approached by Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) who want to build on our excellent practice, reputation, knowledge and expertise to develop a South Yorkshire Children’s University.

This work is part of South Yorkshire Futures (http://www.southyorkshirefutures.co.uk/), a SHU led partnership focused on improving attainment and raising aspiration in disadvantaged areas. Practically, this means Katie and Helen will spend 1 day a week each for 1 year working with SHU to develop a business plan for a South Yorkshire CU which will support the work of Sheffield and the existing CU in Doncaster, and help develop a Barnsley and Rotherham CU too!

Hopefully it’s clear that there are many benefits to this work! Being part of a high profile flagship
Sheffield Hallam University initiative which is supported by the Department for Education puts Sheffield CU at the heart of this exciting development and allows us access to other strands of work involved in South Yorkshire Futures including fundraising opportunities. It also strengthens the strategic partnership between Sheffield City Council and the University and other key partners and allows us to working closely with strategic leaders of other South Yorkshire local authorities to develop provision.

Of course, Sheffield CU is and will remain our priority. We are very passionate about our work and Sheffield CU is our family! It is only because of the success and glowing reputation of Sheffield CU that we are able to grab this opportunity and we certainly would not let anything compromise our work and service we provide. Therefore, our service will not change as a result of this development, it will only mean Katie and Helen will be out of the office one day a week to project manage this work. Sakina, Molly and our new apprentice will be on hand during this day though, and we are confident they can help troubleshoot any issues or pass them on to us on our return. We are really hopeful that this will bring lots of opportunity for us, as well as our schools, Learning Destinations, partners and children and families and hope you join in our excitement and enthusiasm for this project!

We are sure there will be lots of interest as we move to developing and launching a CU in Rotherham and Barnsley which will mean children from across our region can collect CU credits. We will provide further updates throughout the coming months, so do keep an eye on our Facebook page!