The Ultimate Parent Guide to Scratch Coding for Kids (2025 Update)

Scratch is one of the easiest ways for children to learn coding. It is safe, free, colourful, and used in thousands of UK schools. If your child enjoys games or creative activities, Scratch is a great way to turn that interest into learning.

This guide explains what Scratch is, how it works, and what parents can do to support their child at home. For more coding options, you can also visit our Kids Coding Hub UK.

What Is Scratch?

Scratch is a free coding platform created by the MIT Media Lab. Instead of typing code, children drag and drop coloured blocks to control characters, called “sprites”. It feels like building with digital LEGO.

Children can create:

  • Games
  • Stories
  • Animations
  • Music projects
  • Interactive quizzes

Scratch runs in your web browser, so there is nothing to install. It works on Chromebooks, laptops, PCs, iPads and most tablets.

Who Is Scratch For?

Scratch is designed for children aged 8 to 16, but many start younger with support. If your child is between 5 and 7, there is a simpler version called ScratchJr.

Why Scratch Is Good for Kids

Scratch is not “just another game”. It teaches real skills that support school work and future jobs.

1. Scratch Teaches Core Computer Thinking

Children learn ideas that sit at the heart of computer science:

  • Putting instructions in the right order
  • Repeating actions with loops
  • Using “if this happens, do that” logic
  • Keeping score or tracking data with variables
  • Reacting to events like key presses and clicks

These are the same concepts used in text-based languages such as Python and JavaScript.

2. Scratch Builds Creativity

Children design their own characters, sounds and backgrounds. They become creators, not just consumers. Every project can be saved, shared or remixed into something new.

3. Scratch Builds Problem-Solving

Code rarely works first time. Scratch helps children learn to test ideas, fix mistakes and try again. This builds patience and confidence that carries over into school and everyday life.

Scratch vs ScratchJr

ScratchJr (Ages 5–7)

  • Very simple blocks
  • No reading required
  • Designed mainly for tablets
  • Perfect for complete beginners

Scratch (Ages 8+)

  • More features and block types
  • Great for games and interactive stories
  • Teaches real coding logic
  • Used widely in UK primary and secondary schools

If your child can read short instructions, they are usually ready for Scratch.

How to Get Started (Free and Quick)

  1. Go to scratch.mit.edu.
  2. Click “Join Scratch” in the top right corner.
  3. Choose a child-friendly username that does not use their real name.
  4. Use a parent or carer email address to confirm the account.
  5. Click “Create” to open the coding editor.

That is all you need to begin. Your child can now start exploring and making projects.

A Quick Tour of the Scratch Screen

  • Stage (top right): Shows the final project while it runs.
  • Sprites area (bottom right): Lists all characters and objects in the project.
  • Blocks palette (left side): Colour-coded blocks such as Motion, Looks, Sound and Events.
  • Code area (centre): Where children drag and snap blocks together to build scripts.

Children usually pick this up quickly, even if adults in the house feel unsure at first.

Build Your First Scratch Game (Simple Chase Game)

This first project only takes a few minutes and gives children a quick “I made this!” win.

Step 1 – Make the Cat Follow Your Mouse

  1. Select the Scratch Cat sprite.
  2. From Events, drag out “When green flag clicked”.
  3. From Control, drag out a “Forever” loop and connect it under the green flag.
  4. From Motion, drag “Go to mouse-pointer” and place it inside the loop.

Click the green flag. The cat now follows your mouse pointer.

Step 2 – Add a Mouse Character

  1. Click “Choose a Sprite” and add the Mouse.
  2. With the Mouse selected, add:
  • When green flag clicked
  • Forever
  •     Go to random position
  •     Wait 1 second

The mouse will now jump around the screen.

Step 3 – Add a Score

  1. Go to Variables > “Make a Variable” and call it Score.
  2. Select the cat again and add:
  • When green flag clicked
  • Set Score to 0
  • Forever
  •     If touching Mouse then
  •         Change Score by 1
  •         Play sound Meow
  •         Wait 1 second

You now have a working game with movement, scoring and sound. Children can then change sprites, backgrounds and rules to make it their own.

Is Scratch Safe for Kids?

Scratch is designed for children and has strong safety features:

  • No private messaging between users
  • Public comments are moderated and filtered
  • Swearing and personal details are blocked
  • Every project and comment has a “Report” button

Parent Tips

  • Check your child’s “My Stuff” page from time to time.
  • Remind them not to use their real name or school in projects.
  • Turn off comments on their projects if they ever feel uncomfortable.

For wider device and app controls, you can use the tools in our guide How to Set Screen Time Limits on Android and iPhone .

What Comes After Scratch?

When your child is ready for more, you can look at:

  • Python – a popular next step used in GCSE Computer Science. See our upcoming guide: Python for Kids UK.
  • Roblox Studio (Lua coding) – ideal for Roblox fans who want to build their own games.
  • JavaScript – for children interested in websites and web apps.

Scratch gives children the logic they need for all of these tools. You can explore more options in the Kids Coding Hub UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scratch “real coding”?

Yes. Scratch teaches the same logic used in text-based languages. The blocks simply remove typing mistakes so children can focus on ideas.

Can my child use Scratch offline?

Yes. You can download the Scratch app for Windows or Mac. This is useful if you want to limit general web browsing.

How much does Scratch cost?

Scratch is completely free. There are no ads, no premium tiers and no subscription fees.

Is Scratch useful for school?

Yes. Scratch supports maths, English, science and computing. It also helps with problem solving, planning and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Scratch is a fun, friendly way for children to learn how digital things work. They create stories, games and animations while building real STEM skills.

You do not need to be a tech expert to help. Sitting beside them for the first project, asking questions and encouraging them is enough. When they are ready, you can move on together to Python, Roblox, Minecraft Education and other tools.

If you would like more ideas, visit our Kids Coding Hub UK for the next steps in your child’s coding journey.