The first STEM Starts Centre in Moray has officially opened its doors in Elgin, marking a major milestone for the £4.8 million Early Years STEM (EY STEM) project, part of the Moray Growth Deal.

The new centre, based at Elgin Library, Cooper Park, was formally launched at a special event attended by children from local Early Learning and Childcare settings alongside Scottish Government Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead, representatives from Moray Council and partner organisations.

The centre is the first of three STEM Starts facilities planned across Moray, designed to give children aged 3-8 years old early, hands on experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The launch also marked the official introduction of the EY STEM outreach service, which will work with educators, childcare providers and communities across Moray to extend access to high quality STEM learning beyond the centre itself. The outreach programme will support early years practitioners with resources, training and activities that bring STEM learning to life for young people wherever they are.

The EY STEM project is funded by £3.5m from the Scottish Government and £1.3m from Moray Council and is one of eight Moray Growth Deal projects underway.

Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Our £32.5 million investment in the Moray Growth Deal aims to boost skills and employment opportunities across the region. This new centre is a brilliant example of what we can achieve when we work together with Moray Council and local partners.

“By sparking children’s curiosity in science, technology, engineering and maths from an early age, we’re helping to give young people in Moray the tools to thrive. This is about investing in Moray’s future and ensuring local communities benefit from the jobs and opportunities that growth will bring.”

The EY STEM project has been developed in partnership with early years professionals and STEM experts and focuses on hands on learning, industry inspired activities and digital resources. Through the centre and outreach service, the project aims to ensure that children and educators across Moray can benefit from engaging, accessible STEM opportunities.

Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said the opening of the centre represents a significant investment in Moray’s long term future. “The launch of the STEM Starts Centre is a proud moment for Moray and a key milestone for the Moray Growth Deal.

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“By engaging children with STEM learning from an early age, we are laying strong foundations for future skills, confidence and opportunity. This centre – alongside the outreach service – will help ensure that young people across Moray can access exciting, practical learning experiences that support aspiration and achievement.”

The STEM Starts Centre will begin welcoming education partners and community groups from March, with outreach activity rolling out to early learning and childcare settings across Moray in the coming months.

While the Centre is not open for public bookings at this time it is hoped that offer can be developed in due course. Two further Centres in the east and west of Moray are also planned for future development.

Image: Moray Council