Case Studies

Read Case Studies from some of our Cylch Meithrin leaders, who discuss how they implemented different elements of the curriculum in their settings.

Creative Learning in the Early Years was a collaborative initiative between the Arts Council of Wales, Mudiad Meithrin, Early Years Wales and the Welsh Government, supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The initiative recognised the vital importance of the early years as a foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing and development.

At its heart is the belief that creativity and play are fundamental to children’s learning. This aligns closely with the curriculum for non-maintained nursery settings, which states that “high-quality early education provision is essential to children’s development” and that the experiences, knowledge and skills needed for lifelong learning, active citizenship and future employment begin in the early years.

The purpose of Creative Learning in the Early Years was to explore the impact of creative learning experiences on the development and learning of children aged 3–5 years. Through partnerships between Early Years Practitioners and Creative Professionals, settings were supported to develop innovative approaches that place creativity, curiosity and play at the centre of children’s experiences.

The initiative aims were to:

• Deepen understanding of the central role of creativity and play in children’s development.
• Build the confidence and capacity of early years practitioners to explore and develop new ways of working.

The following case studies were written with support from Cwmpas, the Arts Council for Wales and the cylchoedd that took part in the initiative and showcase the diverse ways in which settings across Wales have engaged with the programme. They highlight the challenges faced, the creative approaches adopted, and the positive impact on children, practitioners, families and communities. Together, they demonstrate how creativity can act as a powerful catalyst for learning, wellbeing, engagement and meaningful change in the early years.

Thank you to the following cylchoedd for taking part:

Cylch Meithrin Arberth

Cylch Meithrin Chwilog

Cylch Meithrin Corris

Cylch Meithrin Crymych

Cylch Meithrin Dyffryn Banw

Cylch Meithrin Ffynnonwen

Cylch Meithrin Llangollen

Cylch Meithrin Llanrhaeadr

Cylch Meithrin Machynlleth

Cylch Meithrin Rhostryfan

Cylch Meithrin Rhuthun

Cylch Meithrin Y Fali

Cylch Meithrin Y Tonnau

Cylch yn yr Ysgol

Miri Morswyn

Ysgol Feithrin Pontypŵl

Caban Cegin

Cylch Meithrin Amlwch

Cylch Meithrin Cybi

Cylch Meithrin Evan James

Cylch Meithrin Felinfoel

Cylch Meithrin Lle ‘Chi

Cylch Meithrin Talybont

Cylch Meithrin Drenewydd

Cylch Meithrin Ysgol Dewi Sant