Meath County Council and Trinity College Dublin this week announced the launch of STEAM Team 2026, an innovative new programme that will transform how families engage with coding and digital skills in primary schools across County Meath. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths. This follows successful pilots in three Meath schools – St. Stephens NS, Moynalty NS, and Castletown NS – the programme is now inviting applications for up to 20 primary schools across the county.
Delivered in partnership with OurKidsCode, a research project at Trinity College Dublin, the initiative aims to establish sustainable, family-led coding clubs that run outside of school hours in schools throughout Meath. At the heart of the initiative is a new framework for a STEAM Team in each school, made up of trained programme facilitators, parents, children, and school staff who collaboratively plan and steer STEAM activity. This model aims to build a sustainable approach to support ongoing family-led OurKidsCode clubs in each school.
The programme takes a radically different approach to technology education by putting families at the heart of learning. Rather than adding to teachers’ workloads, the programme empowers parents to become confident leaders of coding activities, working alongside their children in fun, hands-on workshops using crafting and micro: bit programmable devices. Schools that develop ongoing clubs will receive a
dedicated Club Kit containing devices and materials to support continued family coding activities.
The programme will launch in successful schools with exciting taster workshops beginning in March, giving families a chance to experience coding together through playful, collaborative activities. Participating schools that wish to go deeper will then have the opportunity to develop fully-fledged parent-led coding clubs starting in September this year.
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Wayne Harding said: “This excellent initiative partners perfectly with the previous STEAM and coding programmes in Meath, and I am particularly pleased to see such a focus on family involvement. F
Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, said: “Meath County Council understands the demand to improve digital skills across the county. From supporting children and families to understand coding and digital technologies, to supporting our older residents to stay connected, engaged, and safe, we believe this programme represents a new model of support through our county’s schools.
Éadaoin McGovern, Director of Navan Education Centre, said: “I am really excited by this new programme and the opportunities it presents for County Meath’s national schools. Parental involvement in education – genuinely supporting children in their learning – is an important step forward.”
Dr Nina Bresnihan, Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin and Project Lead of OurKidsCode, said: “OurKidsCode and Trinity College are delighted to be collaborating with schools and families across Co. Meath on this project. This initiative reflects what research consistently shows: parental involvement matters. ”
The programme particularly encourages smaller schools to apply, and schools are welcome to partner with neighbouring schools if they wish. Applications are now open until Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at 12 noon. Schools interested in joining STEAM Team 2026 can find out more and submit applications at www.ourkidscode.ie/steam-team.
