Unleash your inner ninja at new Watford coding dojo
What kid doesn’t want to learn how to build video games, drones and robots with their friends? Thanks to a brand-new kids’ centre opening in Watford – the first of its kind in the UK - local children can now learn coding and have fun, whilst building valuable skills for the future. In just a few weeks’ time, local families will be welcomed through the doors of Watford’s very own Code Ninjas centre, located in the heart of the community, in Asda on St Albans Road.
Local husband and wife duo, Jass and Reena Patel, will be launching the new business, employing a large team including a centre manager and Code Senseis - in martial arts, this is the word for teacher - to support in running the centre. The couple are particularly passionate about bringing kids coding education to the area.
“We’ve lived locally for 12 years and have brought both our young children, Kiana and Jadyn, up here, so we’re thrilled to be able to launch our Code Ninjas centre so close to home,” explained Jass. “Our business will be the first of its kind in the UK, so the children of Watford are in for an exciting and exclusive experience. As a family, we’re really looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming our first Ninjas.”
With an emphasis on the ‘fun’ in fundamentals of coding, Code Ninjas Watford is the dream destination for any child that wants to learn. They will build their own video games using software and existing games they love and are already familiar with, like Scratch®, Minecraft®, and Roblox®. The curriculum is self-paced, not self-taught, as children ages 5-14 work through the modules with the support of their Code Sensei, collaborating with their friends to problem-solve and progress. At the end of the programme, students will have developed a game or an app of their own, which their friends and family can buy on the app store. A Code Ninjas centre provides a safe and exciting environment where gaming is celebrated, and STEM subjects are cool. Beyond coding and STEM learning, kids at Code Ninjas gain valuable skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence, that build character and will serve them for the rest of their lives.
“As busy parents ourselves, we think the best thing about our centre is the convenient location and the simple drop-off and pick-up process. Parents can either leave their child with us whilst they’re running errands, or they can hang around and make the most of our parents’ lounge – complete with free coffee and Wi-Fi. With our handy supermarket location, I can imagine many parents will combine a trip to the centre with their weekly food shop. And kids will love how cool the coding Dojo is. Not only do they enter and leave the Dojo using a coloured wristband, but it’s a parent-free zone! At Code Ninjas, we really want to encourage our students to become independent learners, so the only adults with them will be our team of Senseis,” added Reena.
Ninjas can attend sessions up to twice a week, but timings are flexible so they don’t have to attend at the same time, or even on the same day, every week. Jass and Reena have also put considerable safety measures in place, ensuring social distancing guidelines are adhered to whilst also maintaining the fun environment already enjoyed by students in 250-plus Code Ninjas centres in the US and Canada.
“First and foremost, Code Ninjas is a safe space, so ensuring our students feel comfortable and parents feel reassured is our number one priority,” continued Reena. “For now, we’ll be limiting the number of students in the centre at any one time but have ensured our opening hours are substantial enough that as many children can visit the centre as possible. We’ll ensure guidelines are met so our Ninjas can focus on enjoying themselves, learning invaluable life skills at the same time. We’re excited to be able to have a positive influence on the young minds of our community.”
With the opening of Code Ninjas Watford fast approaching, Jass and Reena have begun to employ the team who will deliver their curriculum. The entrepreneurially-minded couple is looking forward to inspiring the next generation of workplace talent and building a team of like-minded staff to support them in this new venture.
With just a few weeks until the grand opening of Code Ninjas Watford, now’s the time to beat the crowds and register your child’s place. To sign up or find out more about Code Ninjas, visit www.codeninjas.co.uk/watford-uk-ldn
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Editors notes:
For more information, or to speak with the Jass or Reena, contact Kelly Ayres at Rev PR on 07895 876745 or email kelly@revpr.co.uk
Image attached: A photo of the Patel family.