A “children's university” aimed at getting young people involved with exciting activities such as after school clubs and theatre visits has been set up.

The South Hertfordshire Children’s University encourages children between the ages of seven and 14 to explore a wide range of opportunities and learn new skills.

There is no cost to join and clubs and venues will stamp a special passport every time a child takes part in their activity.

Cath Gunn, head of the project, said: “For children it’s all about adding excitement to the best days of their lives. Be it recognising an existing activity, such as attendance to an after-school club, or something less formal like a museum or theatre visit, a sports event or day trip.”

The project is being run by West Herts and Oaklands College.

Gill Worgan, principal of West Herts College said: “It’s about learning in exciting ways outside school. Children can join for fun or to gain formal certificates, earning stamps in a learning passport which add up to a celebratory annual graduation day.

“What we need now are learning destinations, places signed-up to the scheme who will record children’s attendance with a stamp in their learning passports.”

Some of the organisations already signed up as Learner Destinations include Watford Palace Theatre, Watford FC’s Sport and Community Trust and Watford Museum among others.

Anyone interested in Children’s University or becoming a Learner Destination can contact Cath Gunn on 01923 812033