Our story
We exist to make STEM exciting for every child
Founded in Manchester in 2022 by a former university lecturer who believed school science labs should be available to every 5-year-old — not just PhD students.
Why we started
STEM Play Lab was born out of frustration. Our founder, Dr. Amara Osei, watched her own children grow bored of science worksheets while being absolutely captivated by the chemistry set she bought from a market stall. That gap — between what school taught and what children were actually curious about — became the mission.
Today we run weekly classes, holiday camps, birthday parties, and build workshops for children aged 3 to 14 in our purpose-built Manchester lab. Every session is limited to 6 children per instructor — a deliberate choice, not a business constraint.
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What we stand for
Our core values
Hands-on always
Every session involves real doing — building, testing, failing, trying again. No passive watching.
Small groups only
Maximum 6 children per instructor. Every child gets genuine attention and guidance.
Safety first
All instructors are DBS-checked, first-aid trained, and allergy-aware. Parents trust us completely.
Inclusive by design
WCAG-AA accessible website, adapted sessions, and a welcoming space for every child.
Curriculum-informed
Sessions complement the national curriculum — children enjoy themselves AND get ahead in school.
Fuelled by curiosity
We celebrate questions, mistakes, and "what if?" moments. Science thrives on curiosity.
The people behind STEM Play Lab
Meet our instructors
Dr. Amara Osei
Founder & Lead Educator
James Whitfield
Head of Robotics
Priya Sharma
Coding Lead
Marcus Lee
Creative Build Lead
Host a STEM Birthday Party
The most memorable birthday in Manchester. We handle everything — you just bring the birthday child.
See party packages
Holiday Camp Spaces Open
Full and half-day holiday camps with themed STEM adventures. Spaces fill fast — book early.
See camp datesFind us in Manchester
We're based in the heart of Manchester, easily accessible by tram and bus. Free parking available at weekends.
Get in touch