Flintshire schools receive coding kits and AI workshops through £210,000 funding programme
More than 100 parents and pupils have taken part in coding and AI workshops at five Flintshire primary schools, run by a Mold-based education company.
Sniff and Snails delivered the sessions to key stage two learners and their families at Ysgol Derwenfa, Wepre County Primary, Cornist Park, St Mary’s Catholic Primary, and Trelawnyd V.A.
A session was also held at Caffi Isa in Mold.
The workshops used the company’s Crumble controller, a small programmable computer that can be attached to lights, wheels, motors and sensors, to teach participants how coding works.
The sessions were funded through Flintshire County Council’s Strength in Numbers programme, which receives money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Strength in Numbers was allocated nearly £210,000 from the council’s UKSPF pot for 2025-26.
The programme aims to improve literacy, numeracy, digital and language skills across Flintshire.
Feedback from participants found 98 per cent reported increased confidence in using AI, though the press release did not detail how many people were surveyed or how feedback was collected.
Sniff and Snails founder Hayley Laidlaw-Wilson said: “Our Crumble controller is already in use across 14,000 schools in the UK, so it was great to see it utilised in Flintshire to support and inspire future generations of technologists.”
She said: “A big takeaway for us was hearing how the sessions have boosted participants’ confidence and proficiency when it comes to using such technology, and we hope they will continue to explore the transformative capabilities of AI.”
The company is now using UKSPF funding through Strength in Numbers to create an online educator hub and kit library for Flintshire schools.
Teachers will be able to borrow the company’s STEM education kits for free and access lesson plans that include cross-curricular coding.
Twelve schools have already signed up.
Ms Laidlaw-Wilson said: “Without the UKSPF, we would have had to obtain another source of funding to create the educator hub and kit library, so we’re thankful for the support.”
She said: “With 12 schools already signed up to borrow our kits, we look forward to seeing the impact they have, and hope that more education providers follow in their footsteps.”
Strength in Numbers project coordinator Claire Worrall said: “It’s been fantastic to see our project delivery partner Sniff and Snails help enhance digital skills in Flintshire through its creative workshops.”
She said: “By creating an online educator hub and kit library, we can also ensure the legacy of the programme by allowing teachers to continually enrich classroom learning with bespoke technology and comprehensive lesson plans.”
Councillor Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council’s cabinet member for environment, regeneration, countryside and tourism, said: “Building understanding and inspiring confidence amongst Flintshire residents is critical to ensure youngsters, teachers, and parents alike can utilise AI to their benefit, especially as it continues to advance at a rapid pace.”
Flintshire County Council was allocated a total of £4.395 million in UKSPF funds for 2025-26, with 18 projects approved across the county.
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