LOCAL youngsters are now being given the chance to become the next Steve Jobs by learning unique coding skills at a studio developed by Reading parents.

Children between the ages of 7 - 14 can become the "coding ninjas" of the future by joining Code Ninjas Reading, which has just opened its doors in Chalfont Way to budding local coders.

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The coding camp will teach children how to build drones, robots and even develop their own apps that they can put on the app store.

Four local IT whizzes, Sampat, Suprita, Deepa and Shruti, decided to launch the new business as a way to help parents find alternative ways for their children to learn skills not on the curriculum at school.

With famous billionaires like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates all learning to code at an early age, it's easy to see the benefits coding can have on a child.

Co-owner Sampat said: "Reading is full of people who understand the benefits of IT.

"Many big tech firms are located in Reading, and there are a lot of tech-loving people in the area.

"We feel as if we can have a significant impact on our community by allowing parents the choice to get their children into coding.

"We searched for good coding camps in the area to send our own children, but we couldn't find anything!

"So, we decided to start one ourselves.

"We'll also be launching a second location, in Wokingham, on November 28.

"Hopefully, we will be a breath of fresh air for local parents.

"We all firmly believe that computers are the way forward and for children to be competitive in future careers, they will need to know how to use them - it's vital!

"We offer kids the chance to learn all of this whilst having fun, which is the most important thing."

Fun is something Code Ninjas is all about and they like to do things a little differently.

Students are called "ninjas", the teachers are called "Code Senseis", and the studio is called the dojo.

Ninjas work through a colour-coded programme to earn wristbands - or belts - just like in martial arts.

'Belt-up' ceremonies mark a ninja's graduation to the next level.

Co-owner Shruti said, "We can't wait for the grand opening.

"It will be great for the ninjas to get to grips with all the fun activities we have on offer.

"The ninjas will learn using STEM technology, which is perfect for them, especially after all the education they have missed due to the lockdown.

"Code Ninjas is a safe and supportive environment where children will develop not only their tech skills but their teamwork, individual thinking and communication skills.

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"All things that will help them in later life. We are very excited and I speak on behalf of the entire Code Ninjas Reading team when I say we can't wait to welcome local ninjas!"

The Code Ninjas team has established a strict social distancing policy, so families can feel safe in the knowledge that their child's safety has been put first. 

For more imformation, visit the website.