York Children’s University (York CU) is all about having fun and engaging children in new activities beyond the curriculum.

From our employer-led industry modules, to boosting literacy levels through “Right to Read”, CU aims to inspire York’s disadvantaged children.

Our new CU In The City programme launches next week with five exciting free events for children aged from five to 14 and their parents.

Westfield Primary Community School is involved in many York CU activities, including the Passport to Learning Scheme and our modules. Tracey Ralph, head teacher, is looking forward to the new programme: She said: “I think it is fantastic that more children across the whole of our city are going to get the opportunity to work with the Children’s University through CU in the City.

“My children get so much from working with York CU's business partners, not least raising career aspirations, and it is exciting that York CU is now able to widen the offer to children city-wide.”

University of York’s Physics Department will be delivering an interactive session on space. Katherine Leech, outreach officer for the department, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to inspire students about physics from an early age and give them a bit of an insight into what a university is like.

“Our volunteers also gain a great deal from being involved in activities such as CU. We have more than 100 undergraduate students who volunteer at school events, as well as numerous staff. They really enjoy sharing their love of their subject.”

Sophie Jewett, from York Cocoa House, will be running a chocolate workshop, “Be The Next Willy Wonka!”. After opening York Cocoa House in 2011, Sophie now wants to inspire the next generation of chocolate lovers.

She said: “We’re really pleased to be able to work with York CU sharing our love of chocolate because it captures so much of the imagination.

“In celebrating York and its chocolate heritage it was always really important that York Cocoa House played a role in working with and supporting the local community. “We’re really pleased to be able to offer our activities to be enjoyed by families learning together and discovering just how easy it can be.”

Other events include a behind-the-scenes tour at York City Football Club's Bootham Crescent and a drama improvisation workshop at York Theatre Royal.

For more information about these events and to keep up to date with the latest news, visit the website at yorkcares.co.uk and follow @YorkCares on Twitter.