At Mudiad Meithrin, we believe that behind every happy child is a team of passionate, qualified, and committed staff. Our recent Qualifications Audit for 2024–2025 shines a spotlight on the brilliant people working in Cylchoedd Meithrin across Wales — and there’s lots to celebrate! The data is more than just numbers – it’s a snapshot of the dedication, professionalism, and passion that drives our Cylchoedd Meithrin settings across Wales.
Who Took Part?
An impressive 302 Cylchoedd Meithrin (90% of those eligible) contributed to the audit, providing valuable insight into the qualifications, language skills, and staffing needs in our sector giving us a detailed and up-to-date picture of our workforce. And the results speak volumes.
A Highly Qualified and Dedicated Workforce
The audit captured data from 1,489 staff members – an average of nearly five people per setting. Here’s what the data revealed:
- Nearly half (49.3%) of our settings include staff with Level 5 qualifications, the highest available in the sector (225 individuals in 149 settings).
- A remarkable 93.7% of settings employ Level 3 qualified staff, a clear sign of the standard of care and education on offer (798 staff across 283 settings).
- A strong presence of Level 4 (20.5%) and Level 2 (41.1%) staff demonstrates a layered and supportive structure within each setting.
- On top of this, hundreds of staff hold degrees, Playwork qualifications, and key certifications such as Child Protection and Paediatric First Aid.
These qualifications aren’t just letters on a CV. They’re the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to nurture children safely, creatively, and effectively.
Beyond core early years qualifications, our workforce is rich in additional skills:
- 401 staff hold degrees or other higher-level qualifications, particularly in education and childhood studies.
- 372 staff have completed Playwork qualifications (Level 2/3).
- 552 Leaders/Managers are trained to Level 3 in Child Protection.
- 831 Assistants hold the Level 2 Child Protection qualification.
- 1,151 staff members have completed the 12-hour Paediatric First Aid course.
- Many others are trained in food hygiene, Makaton, EpiPen use, and more — highlighting the breadth of skills that keep our Cylchoedd safe and inclusive.
The Welsh Language:
Welsh-medium provision is at the heart of everything we do, and we are thrilled that the audit shows that:
- 77.2% of staff are confident Welsh speakers.
- 183 staff are receiving Welsh language training.
- 36 settings identified an additional 63 staff who would benefit from language support to develop their Welsh language skills further.
Spotlight on Staffing Needs
Of course, like all sectors, we face staffing challenges. While 222 staff members are currently unqualified, they are gaining valuable experience in 137 settings. Encouragingly, fewer cylchoedd report needing additional staff than in the last year — only 72 settings indicated a need for 105 more team members.
We’re also pleased to see that more men are joining our teams, showing that early years work is for everyone.
The Vital Role of our Voluntary Management Committees
Let’s not forget the vital role of our voluntary management committees — with 1,171 volunteers on our management committees helping to run our Cylchoedd Meithrin, community spirit is alive and well.
Comparing to Last Year – Positive Growth
There’s good news all round when comparing to our 2023–2024 data:
- More staff per setting (4.93 compared to 4.91).
- More committee members on average.
- Fewer cylchoedd reporting a need for more staff.
- More men working in the sector (22 men across 14 settings).
- An increase in confident Welsh speakers and staff receiving language support.
- Higher numbers completing paediatric first aid and safeguarding training.
Why This Matters
Behind these stats are stories – of children gaining their first words in Welsh, of teams supporting each other through training, and making a difference to the lives of children and their families who benefit from our childcare provisions.
These results reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and communities. As we continue to build a strong, qualified, and Welsh-speaking workforce, we’re proud of how far we’ve come — and excited for the journey ahead.
We’re incredibly proud of what this audit reveals. It’s a sign that we’re moving forward with confidence, care, and a commitment to excellence in every Cylch Meithrin.
Diolch o galon to everyone who took part in the audit and to all our staff, volunteers, and supporters. It’s clear that your efforts are making a big difference! Let’s continue to grow, learn, and nurture the future together.
