Early years children are getting a taste of tech with the opening of a new ‘STEM Starts’ centre in Moray.
The new centre, based at Elgin Library, was formally launched at a special event attended by children from local early learning and childcare settings – as part of a £4.8 million government scheme.
Richard Lochhead, Scottish Government Business and Employment Minister, and representatives from Moray Council and partner organisations also marked the opening of the new centre.
The centre is the first of three STEM Starts facilities planned across Moray, designed to give children aged 3-8 years old early, hands on experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The launch also marked the official introduction of the EY STEM outreach service, which will work with educators, childcare providers and communities across Moray to extend access to high quality STEM learning beyond the centre itself.
The outreach programme will support early years practitioners with resources, training and activities that bring STEM learning to life for young people wherever they are.
The EY STEM project is funded by £3.5m from the Scottish Government and £1.3m from Moray Council and is one of eight Moray Growth Deal projects underway.
Mr Lochhead said: “Our £32.5 million investment in the Moray Growth Deal aims to boost skills and employment opportunities across the region. This new centre is a brilliant example of what we can achieve when we work together with Moray Council and local partners.
“By sparking children’s curiosity in science, technology, engineering and maths from an early age, we’re helping to give young people in Moray the tools to thrive. This is about investing in Moray’s future and ensuring local communities benefit from the jobs and opportunities that growth will bring.”
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Moray Council leader, said the opening of the centre represents a significant investment in Moray’s long term future.
She said: “The launch of the STEM Starts Centre is a proud moment for Moray and a key milestone for the Moray Growth Deal. By engaging children with STEM learning from an early age, we are laying strong foundations for future skills, confidence and opportunity. This centre – alongside the outreach service – will help ensure that young people across Moray can access exciting, practical learning experiences that support aspiration and achievement.”
