Mudiad Meithrin Conference – ‘Belonging Starts Here: Empowering Our Young Learners’

Suitable for: Cylch Meithrin and day nursery practitioners, Mudiad Meithrin staff, foundation learning teachers and early years advisory teachers, CWLWM members and nursery education sector colleagues.

Join us at our special conference in Bangor, Gwynedd, as we’ll be exploring the importance of creativity in early childhood, led by the Dwylo Bach creative initiative.

Dwylo Bach is an artist-led creative program for children from birth to 4, initiated and delivered by Making Sense CIO.  Dwylo Bach creates sensory interactive environments designed for little artists to explore, create and be curious. Inspired by artworks and gallery exhibitions, our experiences are sensory and playful providing young children with unique invitations to engage in creative play.

Dwylo Bach creates nurturing and stimulating environments where young children can thrive, setting a strong foundation for their future development and supporting young families within our communities through creativity.

The day will start with our guest speaker:

Dr Angharad Harrop

Dr. Angharad Harrop is a renowned dance artist who has made significant contributions to the understanding of how physical movement and creativity can enhance early child development. With nearly a decade dedicated to refining her practice with babies and young children, Dr. Harrop’s research offers invaluable insights into the pivotal role of creativity in nurturing young minds.

Following the keynote speech, there will be an opportunity to engage in all four workshops throughout the day. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate in each of the following workshops.

These workshops aim to enrich the professional practices of early years educators, in providing you with innovative tools and ideas to enhance learning experiences for young children through creativity. Each workshop is thoughtfully crafted to focus on different aspects of creative learning.

You don’t need to be a naturally creative person to attend; this event is open to everyone. Our goal is to nurture creativity in a supportive environment.

Workshop 1: It’s the process that counts!

Objective: Encourage open expression and the ability to experiment freely without a predetermined outcome, understanding the benefits for children’s learning and development.

In this workshop, participants will explore various ideas and materials to foster curiosity and creative play. The focus will be on allowing children to express themselves openly and experiment without the pressure of achieving a specific result, enhancing their learning experience and growing confidence.

Facilitators: Eleri Jones and Donna Jones

Workshop 2: Nature’s toolbox: using natural materials to develop creativity

Objective: Introduce natural materials and craft skills to develop creativity.

Participants will work hands-on with natural materials such as wood and clay, using real tools to manage risks and promote practical learning. This workshop emphasises the importance of incorporating natural resources into the learning environment to enhance creativity.

Facilitators: John Merrill and Rosie McConnell

Workshop 3: Nurturing creative thinking through schemas and loose parts

Objective: Ignite curiosity and wonder by creating environments with loose parts materials and objects that invite play and exploration for young children.

This session will discuss how to implement new ideas and the learning outcomes achieved through schemas. Participants will explore how to introduce new concepts into existing settings, encouraging children to explore and learn through play.

Facilitators: Ticky Lowe and Sioned Phillips

Workshop 4: Creative movers

Objective: Invitations to move and express oneself as young children, integrating movement into the setting through creativity using sensory objects to perform and tell stories.

This workshop will explore how creative movement can support physical development and well-being. Participants will learn how to incorporate movement into their settings, using sensory objects to engage children in storytelling and performance.

Facilitators: Leisa Mererid and Dr. Angharad Harrop

The whole day is free! We look forward to welcoming you at Bangor.

To register, click on this link.

Closing date to register: 26 January 2026