A new Cylch Meithrin (Welsh-medium playgroup) in Denbighshire officially opened on Thursday 17th March. During Cylch Meithrin Ysgol Pentrecelyn’s official open day, Mudiad Meithrin’s Chief Executive, Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, was the guest speaker and there was also a visit from Mudiad Meithrin’s lovable children’s character – Dewin. In addition, Denbighshire Council Leader, Hugh Evans, and the Director of Education, Geraint Davies were also in attendance.
Cylch Meithrin Ysgol Pentrecelyn is open from 11:30am to 3:15pm Monday to Friday during term time.
Cylch Meithrin Ysgol Pentrecelyn is part of Mudiad Meithrin’s ‘Set Up and Succeed’ (SAS) programme. In the first 3 years of the scheme (2018-2021) 43 new Cylch Meithrin (including Cylch Ti a Fi) have been established in specific areas of Wales where there isn’t a Cylch Meithrin at present. 12 new Cylch Meithrin are in operation as part of Year 4.
Jemma Williams is the Cylch Meithrin’s new leader – she has two children and has years of experience working as a classroom assistant in Welsh-medium schools.
Jemma said:
“I love working with children and I’m glad of the opportunity to do this through the medium of Welsh. I’m really looking forward to my new role as Leader at Cylch Meithrin Ysgol Pentrecelyn. The Cylch offers care through the medium of Welsh to children over two years of age up to school age. There is a welcoming and friendly atmosphere here and the Cylch, staff, children, parents and the community are all part of the school’s extended family. We are also in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the Cylch will offer great opportunities for shared learning and enjoyment outdoors.”
The project also springs from Mudiad Meithrin’s response to the Welsh Government’s Welsh language strategy Cymraeg 2050: Meithrin Miliwn that recognises the importance and influence of the Early Years in creating Welsh speakers,and supports the vision of a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
The Welsh language strategy states that it will support the ‘expansion of Welsh-medium early years provision by 40 nursery groups by 2021 to facilitate a seamless transition into Welsh-medium education, in order to reach an additional 150 nursery groups over the next decade.’
Nearly 2,000 qualified and experienced staff work in Cylchoedd Meithrin across Wales.
Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, Mudiad Meithrin’s Chief Executive, said:
“Our ambition is to enable every child in Wales to be able to take advantage of Welsh-medium early years education and childcare service. There are a number of geographical gaps across Wales, so the Cymraeg 2050 vision enables Mudiad Meithrin along with local communities to work towards the aim of meeting the need and create the demand for Welsh-medium care.”