Shelton Infant University

 Shelton Infant University aims to provide children with high quality and exciting learning activities and experiences outside of the normal school day, and to recognise and to celebrate children’s achievements as a result of attending these activities.

We are proud to offer our pupils an extensive range of lunchtime clubs, all of which are run by teachers and teaching assistants. There is always a strong take-up by the children of the opportunities offered during lunchtimes. No charge is made for attending any of these clubs.

Over the past year we have delivered the following lunchtime clubs:-

• Recorders
• Singing
• Creative Writing
• Tag Rugby
• Lego
• Mandarin Chinese
• French
• Recycling Art & Craft
• Gardening
• Library
• Cake decorating
• Spanish
• Sketching
• First Aid
• Buddy Readers (with Shelton Junior School)

When children start at Shelton Infant School they are given an individual Learning Passport. Each time they attend or complete an activity outside of school hours which has been validated by the University they are given ‘credits’ which are recorded in their passport. Once a child has accumulated sufficient credits they graduate from the Shelton Infant University at a prestigious graduation ceremony held each summer in our school. Families are encouraged to attend so that they see their child receiving their certificate(s) whilst wearing a mini cap and gown! The evening is a very special event in the school calendar and many positive comments from parents and carers are always received following this event:-

“Fantastic event for the children to show off their achievements and to feel proud. So lovely to see them all dressed in their caps and gowns. Shelton Infant School surpasses expectations again – leading the way with such a prestigious event. Lovely to be part of this evening.”

“The most brilliant evening – and a fab opportunity for children to be proud of their extra-curricular activities. Another great event from the school.”

Additionally, a range of sports clubs are offered to pupils after school by Derby County Community Trust and Premier Sports. These take place in the school hall or, weather permitting, outside. Clubs offered to pupils over the past year include football, dodgeball, gymnastics, handball, archery, fencing, cheerleading, basketball, tennis and tri-golf. The school subsidises the cost of these clubs using Sports Premium funding received from the government. There is always a strong take-up of these clubs by pupils across the school.

Children are also encouraged to bring into school any certificates and/or trophies which they have been awarded at other clubs outside of the school. Shelton Infant University can validate these clubs so that our pupils earn University credits when they attend these clubs.

 All pupils also given the chance to earn credits when they complete homework challenges which are often linked to our exciting themed weeks, eg making a model of a fairground ride for our Shelton Fairground Week, making a clown puppet for Circus Week, making  a shield for Castles and Dragons Week, making a pair of silly sunglasses for Shelton Splashes and making a musical instrument for Shelton Rocks. The aim of these activities is to encourage families to work together to complete a challenge or to make an item which will enhance learning in school. Children also enjoy completing our Summer Challenges and Easter Challenges during the school holidays and again, University credits are awarded to recognise their efforts and achievements.

 Year 2 pupils also earn credits from the University if they become one of our Lunchtime Leaders and help Reception pupils in the dining hall at lunchtimes. Our Personal Trainers also receive University credits in recognition of their hard work teaching exercises and encouraging physical activity on the playground at lunchtimes with pupils across the school. 

Shelton Infant University is a very popular and successful initiative which rewards and celebrate pupils’ achievements outside of the normal school day. If you would like to find out more please contact school and ask to speak to Karen Houldsworth or Tracey Radley, our Shelton Infant University Leaders. They will be more than happy to talk with you about our University!