Our Founding Principles
Girls in STEM
At the Young Innovators Club, one of our founding missions is to empower girls in STEM, particularly in areas where they are still vastly underrepresented — such as Design & Technology and Computer Science. We aim to build confidence and self-efficacy in skills like programming, working with circuits, engineering, product design, and creative innovation. By fostering an inclusive, hands-on environment, we help girls develop the technical abilities and self-belief they need to pursue STEM subjects at GCSE, A-Level, and beyond. Our goal is to break down gender stereotypes, amplify female voices in tech and engineering, and inspire a new generation of girls to see themselves as creators, problem-solvers, and future leaders in STEM.
Access
We are also committed to making STEM education accessible to all by offering affordable, in-person opportunities for local families. Through engaging activities in coding, robotics, engineering, and design & technology, we aim to remove financial and geographic barriers that often limit access to high-quality STEM learning. By creating welcoming, hands-on experiences within the community, we empower children to explore their curiosity, build practical skills, and develop a lasting interest in the technologies shaping our future.
Teaching & Learning
We believe that the most effective teaching and learning happens through cross-curricular, problem-based learning. Our approach is rooted in constructivist principles, drawing on Vygotsky’s theory of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to support each child in moving from guided learning to independent problem-solving. By integrating subjects like computing, engineering, and design through real-world challenges, we help children develop not only subject knowledge but also critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. We guide learners in using essential technology tools to explore, experiment, and ultimately take ownership of their learning journey.
Our Team.
Get to know the people who make our programs exciting, meaningful, and impactful—we're here to spark curiosity, support big ideas, and champion innovation at every step of the journey!
Andrew
Founder
Andrew is the founder of Young Innovators and is currently studying for a PhD at Loughborough University. He uses coding and data analysis in his research and is passionate about introducing children to technology in a safe and engaging way.
A qualified teaching assistant and father of two, Andrew is also trained to support children with autism and ADHD, ensuring his sessions are inclusive and accessible.
Olexandra
Founder & Teacher
Olexandra is an experienced, fully qualified Design and Technology teacher, and has worked in education for nearly 10 years! She holds a masters in Creativity and Education from the University of Cambridge, and is currently studying for her PhD in Education, also at Cambridge.
At Young Innovators Club, Olexandra will be the one leading our club sessions, and is the person who comes up with the fun projects at camps and clubs.
Matt
AI and Industry Advisor
After earning his PhD from Oxford University, Matt has been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology, developing the software that powers driverless cars.
At Young Innovators Club, Matt ensures our projects stay ahead of the curve—bringing real-world industry insight to help us deliver cutting-edge, relevant experiences for young learners.
Dawn
EYFS and KS1 Curriculum Manager
Dawn supports the Young Innovators team with expertise in Early Years and Key Stage 1 curriculum delivery.
With over 20 years of experience teaching in state schools, she has worked across Nursery,
Reception, KS1, and KS2, fostering a love of learning through hands-on exploration and problem-solving.
Our Policies
At the Young Innovators Club, the safety, wellbeing, and development of the children in our care are our highest priorities. Our policies are designed to ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all participants, staff, and families. We follow best practices in safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour management, and educational delivery, and we are committed to creating a space where all children can thrive through hands-on learning and exploration.
Please note: We can only accept children who are in Year 1 and above. This ensures that all participants are developmentally ready for our activities and can fully engage with the tools, technologies, and learning approaches we use.
We ask all families to familiarise themselves with the policies below, which help us maintain high standards and a positive experience for everyone involved.