Most of us are probably familiar with the iconic Blue Peter Badge, a special award that is linked to the long running television programme. But in case you are not aware, a child can win or earn one and, in doing so, gain free entry into many places and attractions. However, you might not have considered its value specifically within home education.

Applying for a Blue Peter Badge is easier than you might think and open to anyone from 5 to 15 years old. The criteria for each badge are easily achievable, and take little documentation. This has the advantage of being appealing to children who are put off by high demand or perceived academic tasks. It enables them to work towards a nationally recognised award that celebrates their achievements.

With eight badges that you can currently apply for, as well as a further orange badge that you can win by entering competitions, there really is something for everyone. In fact, it is unlikely that your child will not have met the criteria to apply for at least one badge already. Below is a quick outline of the available badges which might just be some inspiration to get applying and take advantage of the free access you will get to over 200 attractions, which can reduce the cost of days out, especially if you have several children.

Blue Badge (launched June 1963). You need to send in an interesting letter, picture or poem.

Silver Badge For kindness and doing something for others (be that friend, family, the community, a charity etc).

Green Badge For showing that you care about nature and the environment.

Purple Fan Club Badge You need to join the fan club and answer questions about the show.

Music Badge (designed by Ed Sheeran). You need to learn a new instrument or be part of a musical performance.

Sport Badge (designed by Leah Williamson) For trying a sport or physical activity that you have never tried before

Book Badge (designed by Quentin Blake). Share your thoughts on a book, character or author.

Gold Badge. This is very rare and only a few are awarded each year. Famous winners of the Gold Badge include David Beckham, J K Rowling, Queen Elizabeth II, David Tennant, Tim Peake, King Charles III and Lewis Hamilton, and are considered to be high profile role models to children.

And there is also the Orange Badge which you have to win by winning or being runner up in a competition. So you need to look out for, and enter competitions.

For home education, working towards or applying for one of the many Blue Peter Badges has value beyond the free entry into attractions. I think for most people my generation, there is also an inherent excitement about the Blue Peter Badge that can be passed on to children as a fun shared activity. Many kids enjoy the process of having their hobbies, interests, kind deeds, talents or moments of achievement celebrated and this is a very tangible way of showing achievement in these areas.

As mentioned, the process of applying is online and does not come across as an academic challenge, although uses many skills such as reading, writing, organising the telling or showing of their achievement and following the necessary steps. It is quick and easy enough to apply for the badge but can encourage the trying of new activities or put a framework around new projects.

If your child is motivated by recognised rewards as well as the promise of days out, once they have learned how to apply for one badge you will probably find it easier, as they want more badges, to suggest trying that new sport, getting involved in a community event or sharing their achievements and recognising the benefit of what they are doing to other people. You can be “getting your sports badge” rather than doing PE, useful if the language you use can impact on willingness to engage. Better still, while this is a good way to celebrate on an individual or family level, if peers are also keen to gain the badges then this can lead to very positive cooperation with shared projects or healthy competition with wanting to get more or different badges from peers. If your children are motivated by such as scheme this is a free, accessible and easy way for most ages to gain iconic badges while getting cheaper days out. Everyone’s a winner.

For more information on applying for badges or a list of free attractions visit the Blue Peter Website at bbc.co.uk/bluepeter or search for Blue Peter Badges in your search engine.