Following in the footsteps of the pioneering BBC Micro in the 1980s, the micro:bit is creating a new generation of digital innovators in the UK and around the world. The program has inspired a new generation to get creative with coding, programming and digital technology.
But why should you teach your child to code?
Well, firstly it may help set your children up for success in the future. Although coding is often associated with computing, it is actually a valuable exercise for most children. Coding not only helps improve mathematics and writing skills but also teaches valuable life lessons in problem solving and critical thinking.
Although home-schooling was challenging during Covid, that doesn’t mean that you should be put off home learning now that pupils are back at school. The earlier children learn to code, the better they are likely to become as an adult.
If this sounds interesting to you or your child, keep reading to find out how you can get started.
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1. Workshops and after school activities
ComputerXplorers (based in Manchester), offer workshops and classes targeted at primary school children. These classes are designed to be hands on sessions, for groups of children aged 7 and upwards and can be the perfect route into coding.
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What’s more, you don’t need to know anything about coding yourself – as the class leaders will do it all for you.
2. Online courses
Much like in-person workshops, a great way to learn to code is through online courses. Makecode is offering online courses, targeting middle school children. Aimed at turning virtually any pupil into an expert coder, the online courses on offer are a brilliant introduction to the world of coding.
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3. Your very own micro:bit
Of course, nothing stops you from just buying your own micro:bit and getting started trying out all its features if you are already tech-savvy. The micro:bit is a mini computer designed to inspire young people to get into technology and is relatively fun and easy to learn for both adults and children alike. There are plenty of resources online to help you get started on your own too.
After all, if kids as young as 7 can start coding and learning basic programming functions, then so can you! With technology an ingrained part of our life now, it’s only right it should be embraced.
Conclusion
Although home schooling may be over, it’s never too late to teach your children to code. To really help your child excel in mathematics, literacy and problem solving, you may be surprised art how useful coding is to your child’s development.
Teaching your child how to code can set them up for future success in school and in their career. Where you may be struggling to keep screen time down, why not turn this into a productive use of time by utilising games to help your child learn code?
Business
IKEA announces decision to close popular Greater Manchester site
Emily Sergeant
It’s the end of the road for one of IKEA’s popular Greater Manchester sites.
The Swedish furniture giant has announced its decision to close its ‘Plan and Order Point’ over in Stockport in a couple of weeks time.
The store – which is located in Stockport town centre’s Merseyway Shopping Centre – launched to huge success back in March 2023, and at the time, was the second of this ‘test and trial’ format to open in the UK, becoming a smaller space dedicated to kitchen and home planning, as well as ordering items.
IKEA says the closure comes as a result of ‘valuable learnings’ which plan to take this conceptual format in a direction to ‘better suit the needs of UK customers’.
IKEA is closing its close popular Stockport site this month / Credit: Jon Super (via IKEA)
Since the opening of the Stockport Plan and Order Point, IKEA claims it has seen an increased demand for Click and Collect services, a desire by customers to shop a smaller selection of home furnishing accessories, as well as the ability to return goods to physical IKEA units, and this is all something which the current location is unable to offer.
Learning from this change in consumer habits, the company says its future Plan and Order Point openings – including in those in other northern cities like Hull and York – will offer these services.
IKEA says it also remains ‘committed’ to trialling new formats, such as its upcoming small stores, one of which will open in nearby Chester later this year.
Luckily for IKEA fans, the retailer has confirmed that its major Greater Manchester store in Ashton-under-Lyne, as well as the neighbouring store in Warrington, will remain open as normal, offering all the services available at Stockport and more.
The Swedish furniture says the closure comes as a result of ‘valuable learnings’ about customer needs / Credit: Jon Super (via IKEA)
In addition to the upcoming opening of a smaller store in Chester, IKEA has revealed that the North West continues to be an area of interest for future expansion.
“After careful evaluation, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the IKEA Plan and Order Point at Merseyway Shopping Centre,” explained Salma Azad, who is one of IKEA’s Area Managers.
“In the two years since opening, we’ve taken valuable learnings, including how our customers prefer to meet IKEA, and we’ll take these insights into future openings, to serve shoppers in a more impactful way.”
Thanks to last year’s Click and Collect expansion, Stockport residents can now pick up purchases from Tesco Extra Stockport and Tesco Extra Stretford, as well as the Manchester store and the upcoming small store in Chester.
Stockport Plan and Order Point’s final day of trading will be on 16 June.
Guide Dogs desperately needs people in Greater Manchester to ‘foster’ its dogs while they’re in training
Emily Sergeant
Guide Dogs desperately needs Greater Manchester residents to take on the volunteering role of Fosterers.
The charity – which has been providing mobility support, and raising awareness of and campaigning for the blind and partially sighted since 1934 – relies on the help of its network of its more than 14,000 volunteers across the UK to help it make a difference and improve the lives of those with visual impairments.
And Fosterers are a vital part of the journey for the hundreds of dogs trained each year.
As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll be giving a dog in training a loving home whilst they embark on their journey to become a guide dog.
You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, all without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.
Guide Dogs North West – which is based at the state-of-the-art training school in Atherton – has taken to social media this week to issue a desperate plea for new Fosterers to join its volunteer network in our region, and is calling on dog lovers who can commit to the important role to get in touch.
“Calling dog lovers around Atherton,” the post on Instagram reads.
“We desperately need volunteer Fosterers to look after our trainee guide dogs during the evenings and weekends. We take care of the training and costs, such as food and vet bills, and you take care of the play time and cuddles.”
One of the most crucial parts of the Fosterer role is being able to drop the dog off between 8-9am and pick them up between 5-6pm at a Guide Dogs site or a site near a trainers’ home each weekday – which means you will likely need to live nearby to the Atherton training centre or be fully-committed to travelling.
Guide Dogs desperately needs people in Greater Manchester to ‘foster’ its dogs while they’re in training / Credit: Guide Dogs
What will you get in return? Well, volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time, you’ll get a dedicated volunteer manager / key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with the charity.
And of course, you’ll get lots of cuddles from the new four-legged friend you’ve welcomed into your home.
This could be a chance to play your part in changing lives.
The Manc -
23rd January 2021 
