Epsom Dad opens coding studio to inspire next generation of tech-loving kids
A new fun and interactive kids coding studio, Code Ninjas, has just opened its doors in Epsom. Now kids from the age of 5-14 are learning things that previous generations could only dream about: how to build robots, program drones and create video games. The studio, based in St. Martin’s Church House on Church Road in Epsom, is owned by Lee Richards – a fully qualified teacher with a decade of experience.
Code Ninjas is a coding franchise which looks to teach kids key skills in a fun, collaborative, and confidence-building environment.
Before he was a teacher, Lee was a product manager for an online gaming company in Sweden. “After graduation I was involved in the development of online and multiplayer games from a very cool office in Stockholm. I was also flying all over the world which was great fun.”
“I enjoyed it for a while, but I wanted a greater sense of purpose, which is why I got into teaching. I moved back from Scandinavia to Epsom and started teaching English. Teaching was interrupted and shaken up by the pandemic and I felt that I just wasn’t having the impact I was hoping for. With kids of my own, the pandemic got me thinking that I want to do more to empower kids to shape their future in a more impactful way before I retire. I learnt about the Code Ninjas franchise and became fully invested in their curriculum and its ability to boost digital literacy whilst engaging kids.”
At Code Ninjas, they do things a little differently: the students are called Ninjas, the teachers are called Code SenseisTM and their studio is the Dojo. Code SenseisTM help ninjas progress through the programme by working towards coloured wristbands - or ‘belts’ - based on the colour system in martial arts. The curriculum is task-based, self-paced and encourages the ninjas to collaborate with their friends. At the end of the programme, ninjas will have developed a game or an app of their own, which their friends and family can download.
“Our focus is that every kid that comes here has a great time whilst learning how to think like a coder along the way. We create a fun and caring environment which encourages our Ninjas to work together and help each other as a way of building up their own and their peers’ confidence. It’s all about having fun - with the added bonus of the ninjas learning valued skills that align with their passions, but also skills that, if they want, can unlock opportunities for the future.”
Lee has already recruited a team of local rising stars in the tech industry, with students and recent graduates joining with him to deliver the curriculum. Importantly, the Dojo is a parent-free zone allowing the kids to fully express themselves in a friendly environment with wise and knowledgeable Senseis to help guide them.
The idea is that the kids look up to the Senseis as role models. Lee’s newest Sensei, Viktor, has a Game Technologies degree from Kingston University and is also excited to share his passion for gaming and technology with the next generation. Viktor told us, “It’s so nice that this interest is shared by the next generation. If anything, I think it’s more popular now than it has ever been. It’s already been so nice to see these kids learn and succeed all whilst getting to know each other more and making some good friendships; you can really tell how much they love coming here.”
Lee told us, “Tech is essential for solving the world’s problems, and if I can relay my passion to the Ninjas then I’ll be very happy. The more kids we get in our Dojo, the more fun and collaborative projects we can achieve, and I’ve got a real sense of purpose by helping the kids from my hometown of Epsom. I’m delighted to have started this new venture and look forward to seeing more and more ninjas getting involved.”
To book a free trial session for your child or to enquire about attending the Grand Opening event, visit https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/epsom-sry-uk
Or