Parents, pupils, and teachers across Flintshire are being empowered to keep pace with the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) thanks to a Mold-based educational company.
As part of Flintshire County Council’s Strength in Numbers programme, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), family-owned business Sniff and Snails has seen more than 100 people engage in its demystifying AI workshops.
Lessons utilised the firm’s bespoke Crumble controller – a mini computer that can be programmed with instructions and attached to lights, wheels, motors, and sensors to complete tasks – to teach participants how coding works.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive with 98 per cent of people reporting increased confidence in using AI – a result that reflects the success of Strength in Numbers, which aims to enhance literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), numeracy, digital, and skills across the county.
Sessions were delivered for key stage two learners and their parents at schools including Ysgol Derwenfa, Wepre County Primary, Cornist Park, St Mary’s Catholic Primary, and Trelawnyd V.A, as well as Caffi Isa, Mold.
With AI contributing approximately £3.7 billion to the UK economy, Sniff and Snails founder Hayley Laidlaw-Wilson believes the workshops are crucial in equipping Flintshire residents with a clearer understanding of how such technology operates.
She 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.
“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.”
Following the workshop sessions, Sniff and Snails is also using UKSPF support via Strength in Numbers to create an online educator hub and kit library for Flintshire schools.
Teachers will have access to borrow the business’ bespoke STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education kits for free, as well as utilise on-demand lesson plans that incorporate cross-curricular coding.
Hayley added: “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.
“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.
“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, 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.”
