Mudiad Meithrin facts for kids
Mudiad Meithrin ("Nursery Movement") is a special group in Wales. It helps young children learn and play in the Welsh language. This group makes sure that kids get a chance to experience early education through Welsh.
Mudiad Meithrin runs many different types of groups. These groups are often very important. They can help lead to a new primary school where children learn in Welsh. The movement is very active across Wales. It has grown a lot since the 1970s. In 2011, when the group turned 40, its name changed to Mudiad Meithrin. Before that, it was called Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin.
The Story of Mudiad Meithrin
Mudiad Meithrin started in 1971. Its main goal was to create more nursery education in the Welsh language. Before this, there were only a few Welsh nurseries. Some early ones opened in Cardiff and Carmarthen in 1943. Another started in Barry in 1951.
But Welsh-speaking nurseries were quite rare. Mudiad Meithrin changed that. By 1996, over 650 groups were active. By the year 2000, more than 14,000 children were attending these nurseries. The number of groups has grown even more recently. This is because the government has also started supporting nursery education. In 2011, the group celebrated its 40th birthday. As part of this, its name officially changed to Mudiad Meithrin.
What Mudiad Meithrin Offers
Mudiad Meithrin provides many services across Wales. It works closely with both local and national government groups. They offer different ways for children and families to learn Welsh.
Here are some of the groups they run:
- cylchoedd meithrin (nursery groups): These are like regular nurseries. Children learn and play in Welsh.
- cylchoedd Ti a Fi ("you and me groups"): These are groups for parents and their toddlers. Often, parents also learn some Welsh during these sessions.
- Day nurseries: These are full-day childcare services. They also teach and care for children in Welsh.
- Integrated centres: These centres combine different services. They might offer nursery care, parent groups, and other community activities.
