Meath schools invited to join new family-led coding initiative

Meath County Council and Trinity College Dublin have announced the launch of STEAM Team 2026, an innovative new programme designed to transform how families engage with coding and digital skills in primary schools across County Meath.

The initiative follows successful pilot projects in three local schools — St Stephen’s NS, Moynalty NS and Castletown NS — and is now open to applications from up to 20 primary schools across the county. The programme is delivered in partnership with OurKidsCode, a research project based at Trinity College Dublin.

STEAM Team which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths aims to establish sustainable, family-led coding clubs that run outside normal school hours.

Central to the programme is the creation of a STEAM Team within each participating school, made up of trained facilitators, parents, children and school staff, who work together to plan and guide STEAM activities.

Unlike traditional technology education models, STEAM Team places families at the heart of learning. Parents are supported to become confident leaders of coding activities, working alongside their children in hands-on workshops using creative materials and micro:bit programmable devices. Schools that go on to develop ongoing clubs will receive a dedicated Club Kit to support continued family coding activities.

The programme will begin with taster workshops in March, offering families an opportunity to experience coding together in a fun and collaborative setting. Schools that wish to progress further can then establish fully-fledged parent-led coding clubs from September.

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding, welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns strongly with previous STEAM and coding programmes in the county.

“This excellent initiative partners perfectly with existing STEAM and coding work in Meath, and I am particularly pleased to see such a strong focus on family involvement,” he said. “Fostering collaboration while developing vital digital skills will deliver real benefits for children, parents and schools alike.”

Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, said the programme represents a new model of digital skills support through schools.

“What makes STEAM Team special is that it builds capacity within families themselves,” he said. “This isn’t about bringing in outside experts — it’s about unlocking the expertise that already exists in our communities.”

Director of Navan Education Centre, Éadaoin McGovern, said the programme offers an important opportunity for national schools in Meath.

“Parental involvement in education is a key step forward,” she said. “This programme brings playful, creative approaches to learning while helping parents better understand their child’s educational experience.”

Dr Nina Bresnihan, Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin and project lead for OurKidsCode, said research consistently shows the value of parental involvement in learning.

“By engaging in their children’s learning, parents support curiosity, problem-solving and a more confident and creative relationship with technology,” she said.

The programme particularly encourages smaller schools to apply, with neighbouring schools also welcome to collaborate. Applications are open until 12 noon on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

Further information and application details are available at www.ourkidscode.ie/steam-team