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  • With Gratitude This July

    Thu 16 Jul 2026

    With Gratitude

    As another busy month comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to simply say thank you.

     

    Westminster Children's University has always been built on partnerships, shared values and a belief that every child deserves opportunities that help them discover their potential.

     

    None of what we achieve happens because of one person or one organisation—it happens because so many people quietly give their time, energy, expertise and encouragement to support our children and families.

     

    A Personal Thank You

     

    Before I close, there are a few people I would like to thank personally.

    Firstly, I would like to thank Lyndsy, our Director. Long before Westminster Children's University became what it is today, Lyndsy had the vision and determination to launch the programme back in 2017.

     

    That vision has grown into an organisation that continues to create life-changing opportunities for children and families across Westminster and beyond.

    Today, Lyndsy works tirelessly to improve outcomes for children and families across our Family Hubs, schools and federation settings, always looking for new ways to strengthen partnerships, remove barriers and ensure that every child has the chance to thrive.

     

     

    I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside Lyndsy I value not only her vision and leadership but also her friendship and unwavering belief in what we can  achieve when people work together. It is a privilege to continue developing Westminster Children's University alongside her.

     

    Another heartfelt thank you also goes to Ben and Arron, whose leadership across the CP Federation continues to improve the lives and educational experiences of an ever-growing number of children across London. Their commitment to inclusion, opportunity and community is inspiring, and it is a genuine pleasure to work alongside them. As a charitable organisation, we are fortunate to have leaders who understand the importance of collaboration and who continually champion innovative approaches that put children and families first.

     

    I would also like to thank Alex Roxas, our Business Manager. Every week Alex works behind the scenes with me on monitoring, finance, reporting, resource planning and travel coordination. While much of this work is unseen, it secures the strong foundations that allow Westminster Children's University to continue growing and delivering opportunities for children and families. Alex's professionalism, calm approach and attention to detail make an enormous difference, and I am incredibly grateful for his support.

     

    I would also like to thank Queen's Park Primary School for continuing to host Westminster Children's University and for believing in our vision from the very beginning. The school's ongoing support has enabled us to grow from a single idea into a thriving organisation working with thousands of children, families and schools.

     

    We are proud to call Queen's Park Primary School our home.

     

    To our schools, partner organisations, volunteers and community groups—thank you for sharing our belief that every child deserves access to enriching experiences that build confidence, curiosity and aspiration.

     

    To our parents and carers, thank you for your trust, encouragement and partnership. Together, we create the supportive relationships that help children flourish.

     

    And finally, to our children—thank you.

     

    Your enthusiasm, resilience, kindness and willingness to embrace every opportunity continue to inspire us every day. You are, and always will be, the reason we do this work.

     

    As I look ahead to another exciting year, I feel incredibly optimistic. Together we will continue creating opportunities, strengthening communities and helping children discover just how much they are capable of achieving.

    Thank you for being part of that journey.

     

    Cllr Stella Wilson
    Manager
    Westminster Children's University

    "When we work together with a shared purpose, we create opportunities that change lives."

     

  • It's July

    Thu 16 Jul 2026 S Wilson

     

    Westminster Children's University

    July Newsletter 2026

     

    A Month of Celebration

    As another remarkable academic year comes to an end, July has given us so many reasons to celebrate. It has been a month filled with achievement, creativity, friendship, community spirit and unforgettable memories. From outstanding academic success to performances, family events and exciting opportunities beyond the classroom, our children have once again reminded us what can be achieved when a community works together.

    Every celebration this month has reflected what we all stand for – high aspirations, inclusion, opportunity and a belief that every child deserves the very best start in life.

     

    Celebrating Excellence

    This week brought wonderful news as our participants receive their Year 6 SATs results arrived, confirming another year of exceptional achievement for everyone  .

     

    These outstanding results are far more than numbers; they represent years of determination, resilience, excellent teaching and the unwavering belief that every child can succeed.

     

    Yesterday, families gathered to celebrate the Queen's Park Primary School Year 6 Graduation, expertly led by Amaria Laour, whose commitment and leadership have once again helped guide another cohort of children towards incredible success.

     

    Amaria has worked tirelessly alongside the Year 6 team to ensure every child has been supported academically, emotionally and personally throughout their final year at QPP. The graduation ceremony was a fitting celebration of the children's achievements and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.

     

    To the QPP Year 6 pupils—we are incredibly proud of you ,Your SATs results -which you have only just received today-are a testament to your hard work and commitment and the unwavering support and aspirations for you from your teachers. We wish you every success as you move on to secondary school, knowing you will always remain part of the Queen's Park family.

     

    The Circle of Life Comes to Queen's Park

     

    This week the QPP school community came together to enjoy two spectacular performances of The Lion King supported by WCU in the form of sets,props and filming .

    The children performed with confidence, enthusiasm and enormous talent, delighting parents, carers and staff alike. The performances showcased not only wonderful singing, acting and dance, but also the teamwork, resilience and creativity that are nurtured every day across the school not to mention the tireless efforts of Miss Royal and Miss Cullen and the wider Lion King team.

    Thank you to every member of staff, every family and every child who made this production such a memorable WCU celebration of the arts at QPP.

     

    Celebrating Our Diverse Community

    Yesterday WCU were delighted to join our friends at St Augustine's CE Primary School for a wonderful Diversity Day Celebration.

    The event brought together children, families and schools from across our community to celebrate the many cultures, traditions and stories that make Westminster such a vibrant place to learn and grow.

    A special thank you goes to D. Toussiant, whose hard work, passion and dedication ensured the day was a fantastic success. Events like these remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

     

    Our Story Continues

     This year has been working alongside Taking the Pixels again.

    Throughout the year they have documented the incredible journey of Queen's Park Primary School and Westminster Children's University, recording the achievements of our pupils, celebrating our families and capturing the impact of our enrichment programmes through professional film and case studies.

    These stories have helped showcase the outstanding work taking place every day across our school and the wider community.

    We are delighted that Taking the Pixels will continue working with us next year, helping us tell even more stories about the remarkable children, families and staff who make WCC such a special Project and each partner school an amazing place to be.

     

    Learning Beyond the Classroom

    Some of the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom walls.

    Whether exploring nature through our Beach Projects, discovering new places through educational visits, creating films, performing on stage or working alongside community organisations, our children continue to demonstrate curiosity, confidence and a genuine love of learning.

    These experiences help develop resilience, independence, creativity and friendships that will last long beyond primary school.

     

    Families at the Heart of Everything We Do

    Today we welcomed families into schools for more Parents' Day fun, another opportunity to celebrate children's progress and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

    We know that children flourish when families, staff and the wider community work together.

    Throughout the year parents have joined us for workshops, Forest School, educational visits, celebrations, wellbeing activities and community events, creating shared experiences that continue to strengthen our school community.

    Thank you for everything you do to support your children's learning and development.

     

    An Exciting Summer Ahead

    Although the school year is ending, learning certainly doesn't stop.

    Our Summer Holiday Activities & Food Programme begins on Tuesday 21st July, offering another fantastic programme of enrichment for children and families.

    This summer children can enjoy:

    • Football with NexAim Football
    • Coding Club
    • Forest School
    • Parent & Child Adventures
    • Kew Gardens
    • Kensington Gardens
    • Tower of London
    • Floating Classroom Family Workshops
    •  

    Every holiday club will include healthy snacks and a nutritious hot meal each day, ensuring children stay active, well-fed and ready to learn throughout the summer.

    We are incredibly grateful to all of our partners for helping make these opportunities possible.

     

    Supporting Families Throughout the Summer

    Supporting our community extends far beyond the school day.

    Throughout the school holidays we will once again be running our popular Free Thursday Food Collection, helping families access fresh, healthy ingredients while reducing food waste.

    Working alongside The Felix Project, Kitchen Social, Connected Futures Partnership, Westminster Children's University, CP Federation and many other valued partners, we continue to build a community where everyone is welcome and no food goes to waste.

    Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness have the greatest impact, and this initiative continues to bring people together while supporting local families.

     

    Thank You

    Looking back over this year, it is impossible not to feel incredibly proud.

    Proud of our children for their determination, kindness and achievements.

    Proud of our families for their unwavering support and partnership.

    Proud of  all staff, whose dedication and care continue to create life-changing opportunities every single day.

    And proud of the many organisations and community partners who continue to work alongside us, helping to ensure that every child can flourish.

    As we look ahead to another exciting year, we remain committed to providing the very best education, the richest opportunities and the strongest community for every family.

    Thank you for being part of another unforgettable year at Westminster Children's University.

    We wish all of our families a safe, happy and restful summer and look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another year of learning, achievement and celebration.

    Have a wonderful summer! 🌞

  • It's June and Time To Celebrate The Summer And All Your Hard Work

    Mon 01 Jun 2026 S Wilson

    WCU June Newsletter

     

    Welcome to the WCU June Newsletter! As we move into the summer term, we are proud to celebrate another exciting month of creativity, partnership, learning, and community achievement across all of our projects and schools. May was filled with unforgettable experiences for children and families, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make these opportunities possible.

     

    June and July are also filled with important national celebration and awareness days that schools across the WCU network will be recognising through assemblies, creative activities, workshops, and themed learning experiences. During June, many schools will take part in National Wellbeing Day activities focused on mindfulness, healthy lifestyles, emotional wellbeing, movement, and positive mental health. Children will have opportunities to enjoy relaxation activities, outdoor games, creative expression, and discussions around self-care and kindness.

    Schools will also celebrate World Environment Day with eco projects, gardening, recycling activities, and nature learning linked to Forest School and sustainability projects taking place across WCU. Refugee Week will provide opportunities for children to learn about community, belonging, diversity, and inclusion through storytelling, art, music, and cultural activities.

     

    As we move further into the summer term, schools will continue celebrating Pride Month, Healthy Eating Week, and cultural diversity activities that encourage children to appreciate different backgrounds, talents, and experiences within their communities. Sports Day events and outdoor activity days will also promote teamwork, resilience, confidence, and physical wellbeing.

     

    Many schools are planning special transition activities for children moving into new year groups, helping pupils feel confident and prepared for the next stage of their learning journey. End-of-year celebration assemblies, performances, art exhibitions, and community showcases will also take place throughout July as schools come together to celebrate children’s achievements, creativity, and progress across the year.

    One of the highlights of the month for us at WCU was our Floating Classroom programme along the canal. Children and families enjoyed boat trips, storytelling, art activities, nature learning, and intergenerational sessions that brought people together in a truly special way. We were delighted to be joined by Age UK and Axis who supported activities and helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all generations to enjoy together. The Floating Classroom continues to be one of our most successful community projects and we are already planning even more sessions for the summer holidays.

     

    We are also excited to announce the return of the WCU Recycled Fashion Show, now entering its second year. Last year’s event was full of creativity, confidence, and imagination as children designed incredible outfits from recycled materials and transformed everyday objects into wearable art. Preparations are already underway for this year’s show, with children collecting materials, sketching ideas, and creating decorations. Our Art Club pupils and children taking part in the May and June Art Exhibition have been heavily involved in producing props, painted displays, and creative backdrops that will be featured during the event.

     

    Another major project already creating excitement across schools is our annual Disney production, now entering its fourth year. This year we will be bringing Disney’s Lion King to life following the success of last year’s Frozen production and the much-loved Aladdin performance the year before. Children have already begun designing scenery, painting giant backdrops, and creating props and costumes. One of the things that makes WCU productions unique is that many of the stage sets and decorations are designed and made by the children themselves through Art Club and creative workshops. Their ideas, teamwork, and artistic talent continue to amaze us every year.

     

    Across our partner schools there have been many fantastic educational visits and enrichment opportunities taking place. St Joseph's RC Primary School recently enjoyed exciting trips including visits to the zoo and the Puppet Barge, where children experienced storytelling, theatre, and outdoor learning in engaging and memorable ways. The enthusiasm shown by pupils throughout these experiences has been wonderful to see.

    At St Augustine's CE High School preparations are underway for their upcoming Pop-Up Beach visit this June, alongside their Community Diversity Day which will celebrate culture, inclusion, creativity, and community spirit. Students will have opportunities to participate in performances, activities, and collaborative projects that reflect the rich diversity within their school community.

     

    Following the success of April’s Dragon Meet project, we are thrilled to welcome Mythic Minds into schools from June through to September. Mythic Minds will work alongside schools including St Augustine's CE High School to deliver imaginative projects inspired by storytelling, mythology, drama, literacy, and creativity. These workshops encourage children to explore ideas through performance, art, and collaborative learning while building confidence and communication skills. Plans are already being developed for an even bigger creative project next term involving several schools across the WCU network.

     

    There are also many fantastic free opportunities for families to enjoy across Central London this June. Families can explore the beautiful gardens and fountains at Southbank Centre, visit free exhibitions at the Tate Modern and British Museum, or enjoy outdoor performances and street entertainment around Covent Garden. Children can also take part in nature walks through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, visit the free galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum, or enjoy community festivals and pop-up summer activities taking place throughout the city during half term and weekends.

     

    Looking ahead, June and July will continue to be packed with exciting opportunities for children and families including Forest School, Coding and Play Club, summer trips, art exhibitions, performances, and community events. We are proud that so many of these opportunities remain free and accessible to families, helping ensure that children can continue to explore, learn, and create together throughout the year.

    Thank you once again to all schools, parents, artists, volunteers, partners, and community organisations who continue to support WCU projects and help make these experiences possible for our children. Together we are building creativity, confidence, friendships, and stronger communities every single day.

    WCU — Explore • Learn • Create • Belong

  • May At WCU

    Tue 05 May 2026
  • It's May at WCU

    Tue 05 May 2026 S Wilson

     May at WCU

    We hope you all had a fantastic break—we certainly did! It was brilliant spending time with so many of you exploring London, including visits to Kew, ZSL, and our local spaces, as well as adventures along the canal with our friends at the Floating Classroom. These shared experiences continue to be some of the most special parts of what we do at WCU.

    Now we’ve stepped into May, one of the most exciting months of the year. With longer days, Warmer weather, and the feeling of summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors, explore, and take part in all the wonderful opportunities happening across our schools and community.

    A Look Back at Our Recent Trips

    We’ve had some incredible experiences recently, both during the holidays and with our partner schools:

    Visits to Hampton Court Palace, bringing Tudor history to life

    Exploring the beauty and science of Kew Gardens

    Time spent at ZSL learning about wildlife and conservation

    Canal adventures with the Floating Classroom

    These trips have given everyone a chance to learn beyond the classroom, build confidence, and enjoy London in a hands-on way.

    Looking Ahead – May Holiday Camp

    We’re excited for what’s coming next. This May, we’ll be running a Holiday Camp with the Floating Classroom and ZSL, combining outdoor learning on the water, wildlife exploration, teamwork, and adventure. It’s set to be a fantastic experience, and we can’t wait to see many of you there.

    EYFS Indoor Beach & Pool Project

    We’re especially excited about our upcoming EYFS Indoor Beach and Pool Project with partner schools. This will give our youngest learners a chance to explore sensory play, build confidence in water-based environments, and enjoy a creative “summer by the seaside” experience indoors.

    May Day & Community Spirit

    May begins with May Day, a celebration of community, nature, and the arrival of summer. While we may not have a maypole, we are continuing to build our second community space. Recently, we received a donation of two beautiful, mature rose bushes, which will help us mark the season and grow something lasting together with support from our volunteers.

    Making the Most of the Outdoors

    May is the perfect time to enjoy London’s green spaces. Parks and gardens are full of life, and we encourage everyone to spend time outdoors, take part in planting and gardening activities, and explore local parks and community spaces. Our work in Queen’s Park continues to show how important green spaces are for wellbeing, wildlife, and community connection.

     

     SATs Preparation – You’ve Got This!

    SATs are an important moment, but remember—they are just one part of your learning journey. You’ve already done so much work to get here, and this is your chance to show what you know.

    ️ What to Expect

    You’ll be tested on:

    Maths

    English Reading

    Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling

    Knowing what’s coming helps you feel more confident and prepared.

    🧠 Top Tips for Success

    Read regularly: Try different types of books and practise summarising what you’ve read

    Practise little and often: Short, focused revision works best

    Break problems down: Take one step at a time, especially in maths

    Check your work: If you have time, go back and review your answers

     Make Learning Fun

    Turn spelling into games like word searches or quizzes

    Challenge family members with quick maths questions

    Revise with friends and help each other

    💬 Looking After Yourself

    Get plenty of sleep (8–10 hours helps your brain recharge)

    Eat well and drink water

    Take breaks and get outside for fresh air

    Talk to someone if you’re feeling worried—you’re not alone

    It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous—but that just means you care. Remember:

    You are prepared

    You are capable

    You don’t need to be perfect—just do your best

    Every question you try is an achievement. Every effort you make matters. We are all incredibly proud of you!

    STEM & Careers Week

     

    May is also a key time for STEM and Careers learning. Thanks to support from the Young Westminster Foundation, we’ll be welcoming professionals into schools to share their experiences, inspire future ambitions, and show how STEM connects to real life. We’re excited to see what you discover.

    Looking Ahead – July Opportunities

    We’re already preparing for an exciting summer term ahead.

    Our STEM Coding Holiday Club is coming this July, giving students the chance to explore coding, problem-solving, and technology in a fun and hands-on way.

    We are also delighted to welcome back Nexaim Sports into our partner schools, bringing high-quality sports coaching, teamwork opportunities, and active sessions for everyone to enjoy.

    These opportunities will help build skills, confidence, and new interests as we move toward the summer holidays.

    VE Day – 8th May

    Victory in Europe Day is an important moment of remembrance, marking the end of World War II in Europe. It is a time to reflect on bravery, sacrifice, and the importance of peace. Across London, there are often free events and commemorations that help us understand this important part of history.

    London in May – So Much to Explore

    London truly comes alive in May. Parks are full of colour, museums offer free and inspiring experiences, and local events bring communities together. Whether outdoors or indoors, there are endless ways to learn, explore, and have fun.

    Getting Ready for July

    As we move through the summer term, please make sure your hours lists are being completed and shared with coordinators so everything is ready ahead of July. Staying organised now will make things much easier later.

    Final Thoughts

    May is a month full of energy, opportunity, and growth. From exciting trips and holiday camps to creative projects, STEM opportunities, and sports, there is something for everyone at WCU.

    Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep supporting each other. We can’t wait to see everything you achieve this term!

     

  • Fun Adventures in London – Late April 2026 Update!

    Tue 14 Apr 2026 S Wilson
     

    Hello again to our brilliant WCU students! Here are some exciting updates and highlights as we head toward the end of April.

     

    Special WCU Highlights & Trips

    We’ve had an amazing time this holiday exploring London’s history together. We visited Kensington Palace and explored the incredible Tower of London. From royal stories to ancient towers, these trips brought history to life!

    Next up, we’re excited to announce that school groups will soon be visiting Kew Gardens. Get ready to explore nature, science, and the beauty of spring in one of London’s most famous green spaces.

     

    Kew Community Week (Coming Soon!)

    We are also looking forward to Kew’s Community Week, an exciting upcoming event filled with nature-based activities, community workshops, and opportunities to learn more about plants, sustainability, and the environment. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and the local community.

     

    We’re really excited to say that we look forward to our after-school clubs relaunching soon. This includes the Floating Classroom, as well as our Garden Club, Art Projects, and Sports Clubs. We can’t wait to have everyone back learning, creating, and having fun together.

     

    Don’t miss our Holiday Camp at Forest School. Children will have the chance to build dens, learn outdoor skills, explore nature, and develop teamwork and confidence. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors through hands-on adventure.

     

    April is still a perfect time for planting. You can grow vegetables like carrots, radishes, and beetroot, as well as salad leaves and herbs. Flowers such as sunflowers and wildflowers are also great to plant now.

    Our local space at Queen’s Park continues to be a great place for planting and community growing projects, helping everyone connect with nature.

     

    You can help wildlife right from home in simple ways:

    • Plant flowers that attract bees and butterflies
    • Put out food and water for birds
    • Build a small bug hotel using natural materials
    • Grow plants on windowsills or balconies

    Even small actions can make a big difference.

     

    This month also brings an important opportunity to get involved in the local community through the Queen’s Park Community Council elections. It’s a great way for families and older students to learn about how local decisions are made. We encourage everyone who is eligible to take part and have their voice heard.

     

    Late April is full of opportunity. From exploring parks and learning about nature to taking part in community events and preparing for the return of clubs, there is something for everyone.

     

    Keep exploring, learning, and sharing your adventures. We love celebrating them with you. Let’s make the most of the season and finish April full of energy and curiosity.

  • March has Arrived

    Mon 02 Mar 2026 S Wilson

    Hello WCU Families!

    As we step into March 2026, it’s been wonderful to see our schools buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and connection. February was packed with hands-on learning, shared experiences, and joyful moments that brought children, families, and schools together in true WCU style.

    One of the highlights across February and into March has been our STEAM project delivered across WCU schools, where students explored electricity in everyday life and within their own bodies. Children learned about electrical safety, how plugs and circuits work, and how electricity powers the world around us. Alongside this, they discovered how their own bodies run on electricity—learning about neurons, nerves, brain waves, and how messages travel through the body. These sessions blended STEM learning with wellbeing, helping children understand both physical safety and the incredible science behind how we think, feel, and move.

    We’ve also been delighted to deepen our collaboration with Cameron and Flora from the Floating Classroom through the Naturehood Watch project. Children at Essendine and Queen’s Park are already signed up for three free citizen science sessions each, exploring local biodiversity, observation skills, and environmental stewardship. These sessions support mindfulness, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility for our shared spaces, and we’re excited that more WCU schools will be joining this project as the year progresses.

    Alongside this, we’ve launched an exciting campaign to improve active travel and school accessibility, beginning with plans to install bike racks outside schools, starting at Queen’s Park. Encouraging cycling supports physical health, independence, and sustainability, and we’re inviting classes to get their TfL Travel Stars journeys underway. It’s a great opportunity for children to think about greener travel, road safety, and how small changes can make a big difference to wellbeing and the environment.

    Our February half-term Holiday Camp once again showed the power of coming together as a community. Families and students shared food, with a special student–parent disco-style food share, where raw ingredients were brought together, prepared, and enjoyed collectively. Alongside this, children enjoyed trips to the cinema and the zoo, creating memories filled with laughter, connection, and exploration. These shared experiences strengthen family bonds, routines, and a sense of belonging—core to WCU’s wellbeing-focused approach.

    We were delighted to welcome back the FACTS Project, and it’s clear just how much children are enjoying being involved. Engagement has been high, with students showing enthusiasm, confidence, and curiosity as they reconnect with learning that is practical, inclusive, and empowering.

    Creativity has also been flourishing through our WCU Art initiatives. Our free WCU Art Club has supported students to create 30 canvases, now being displayed across schools. The artwork spans a wonderful range of styles and voices—from bold abstracts and joyful unicorns, to modernist-inspired pieces influenced by Mondrian and Kandinsky, and beautifully detailed Dutch still-life florals. This project celebrates student voice, artistic confidence, and pride, and we’re excited to continue expanding art across our WCU network.

    We’re also excited about our growing collaboration with Topsy Turvy at Brent Cross, where we are working together on a number of holiday programmes ,SEND and  STEM-focused projects. These opportunities combine physical activity, creativity, and problem-solving, giving children space to move, experiment, and learn through play. We’re really looking forward to a year of shared learning, physical fun, and imaginative exploration through this partnership.

    March also offers a wealth of free opportunities across London for families to explore together, including:

    • Museum and gallery drop-in family workshops
    • Free science and nature sessions linked to British Science Week
    • Library author talks, storytelling, and creative writing clubs
    • Community art exhibitions and cultural open days

    These opportunities support curiosity, cultural capital, and shared learning beyond the classroom.

    Looking ahead, we’re excited to see everyone during upcoming STEM sessions and Science Week celebrations. We want to give a special shout-out to the brilliant coding work led by  Sarvenaz "Sarv" Ranjibar at Hallfield, and Nexaim at Essendine, St Joseph’s, and Queen’s Park. Their sessions have inspired problem-solving, resilience, and digital confidence, showing how coding can be both creative and inclusive.

    We’re also exploring ways to further enrich physical education and wellbeing through partnerships, including Premier Education—a specialist provider offering high-quality sports, physical activity, and enrichment programmes in schools. We’re currently looking into how we might support Premier Education in delivering sessions at Queen’s Park School, ensuring opportunities are inclusive, engaging, and aligned with WCU’s holistic approach to wellbeing.

    From STEAM learning and citizen science to creative arts, active travel, and shared meals, March reflects what WCU does best: bringing learning, wellbeing, and joy together. We’re excited for a year ahead filled with collaboration, discovery, movement, and connection.

    We look forward to seeing you all across schools, clubs, STEM sessions, and Science Week events.

    Stay curious, keep creating, and keep exploring

     

  • 2026 News and Events Jan- Feb 2026

    Mon 26 Jan 2026
  • February News and Updates

    Mon 26 Jan 2026 S Wilson

    February 2026: Westminster Children’s University Update

    Hello WCU Families!

    I was so pleased and grateful to see our community thrive as we move into February 2026. January marked an incredible start to the year, demonstrating how WCU provides inclusive, wellbeing-focused opportunities for children and families across Westminster.

    Our Winter Camp brought together 65 children and 20 parents for trips to Zootropolis, Kew Gardens, Topsy Turvy Theatre, and Kensington Palace. These experiences gave students access to cultural and creative spaces while building confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. Paired with inclusive food projects, these activities reinforced emotional regulation, family connection, and positive routines, directly supporting WCU’s wellbeing and SEND-inclusive aims.

    On January 29th, Year 5 and 6 students joined their peers from St Augustine’s to see the English National Opera’s HMS Pinafore at the London Coliseum. Experiencing this Olivier-nominated production with Mel Giedroyc’s wit allowed children to engage with live performance and classical theatre, increasing cultural capital and promoting joy, curiosity, and shared learning—key pillars of WCU enrichment.

    We are especially proud of QP Year 6, whose three students won the ENO Poster Competition. They received certificates and a talk from Georgia Gould MP. This achievement celebrates creativity, academic engagement, and confidence, demonstrating how WCU initiatives encourage students to take pride in their accomplishments and participate meaningfully in cultural projects.

    WCU attended Bett 2026, where we explored new educational resources to strengthen literacy and wellbeing. We are thrilled that Wordsmith will be visiting our schools to support both actual and emotional literacy, ensuring children develop key skills for learning and emotional self-regulation in line with WCU’s developmental priorities. Wordsmith, whose initiative promotes both actual and emotional literacy in schools, equips students with the vocabulary and communication strategies to understand and express emotions effectively, supporting wellbeing, social skills, and learning readiness. In 2026, they will be visiting our WCU schools to embed these approaches, helping children develop confidence in emotional expression, enhance peer relationships, and strengthen engagement with literacy-based learning, fully aligned with WCU’s focus on whole-child development and family-school-community wellbeing.

    We were delighted to meet representatives from CH Lin Buddhist Primary School (China) at the KittenBot stand during Bett 2026. They shared innovative STEAM and STEM projects focused on pest management, giving our students insight into creative problem-solving and global approaches to science and technology. We are excited to develop international collaboration with them in 2026, including pen-pal exchanges and shared projects, fostering cross-cultural learning and broadening our students’ horizons in line with WCU’s goals of curiosity, global awareness, and STEM engagement.

    The QP Art Club launched a new WCU initiative to display student-led A4 canvases across the school. This whole-school project fosters creativity, leadership, and pride, allowing students to express themselves while promoting a visually inspiring environment. In 2026, we plan to expand this project across the WCU network, reinforcing collaboration between schools and celebrating student voices city-wide.

    Adults at QP and Hallfield have completed training in Compassion-Based Therapy, and in 2026 more staff will become accredited in trauma-aware, Thrive-informed, solution-focused therapy approaches. This professional development strengthens relational practice, emotional support, and wellbeing provision for children, aligning with WCU’s goals of sustainable, whole-family wellbeing and inclusion.

    We have also received funding for an Electrical Safety and Neuroscience project, building on our MindUp work. This initiative encourages curiosity, STEM engagement, and mental health awareness, reflecting WCU’s commitment to combining enrichment with learning about physical and emotional wellbeing.

    Our Naturehood Watch project with the Floating Classroom continues to flourish, with students participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch. Recording birds in gardens, parks, and window ledges fosters mindfulness, environmental stewardship, and citizen science skills. Such activities enhance connection with nature, promote observation and recording skills, and support wellbeing through hands-on, outdoor learning.

    Looking ahead to February half-term (Feb 11–21), London is packed with WCU-approved activities. The Southbank Centre Imagine Festival offers relaxed, sensory-friendly, and BSL-interpreted events for children of all ages. From Early Weaves dance theatre and CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree to Mini SPIN, Pop-Up Parkour, and author events with Liz Pichon and Jacqueline Wilson, there is an extraordinary range of opportunities for creative expression, confidence-building, and cultural enrichment.

    Term 2 of DreamArts Experiment continues at City of Westminster College. Students aged 6–12 are devising and performing their own musicals, while older students are creating immersive theatre with Les Enfants Terribles along the Paddington Canal. These projects develop collaboration, creativity, communication, and leadership skills while strengthening links between schools, WCU, and the wider community.

    From opera to citizen science, STEAM collaboration to creative arts, WCU continues to provide inclusive, engaging, and wellbeing-focused experiences. Each activity reinforces our mission to empower children, strengthen family and school partnerships, and foster lifelong curiosity, resilience, and connection to the world around them.

    Stay curious, keep exploring, and we look forward to seeing you at our events and clubs this February!

    — The WCU Team 🎓✨

  • 2026 First Quater Timeline

    Mon 05 Jan 2026
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