Creating links with the local community

Information about the setting

Canolfan Deulu Dolgellau is a Welsh-medium setting that is registered to care for 48 children from 0 – 11 years old. The setting is open from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6pm for 48 weeks of the year. A majority of children come to the setting from English-speaking homes and are immersed in the Welsh language while attending the Cylch Meithrin. The setting employs 19 staff and one manager.

Context and background to the effective or innovative practice

The centre works effectively with a range of external agencies to support the children’s overall development. It has developed a beneficial relationship with the local care home and children from the setting have been visiting them regularly for three years. This has developed children’s social skills successfully, in addition to improving their oracy skills and their confidence in using the Welsh language outside the setting. These valuable experiences also develop children’s understanding of their local community and teach them about the importance of respecting the elderly. These sessions also teach children about their area’s history and about day-to-day life in the past.

Description of the nature of the strategy or activity

Visits to the care home take place on a monthly basis. The children are divided into groups of 8-10 at a time to visit, and everyone has an opportunity to visit during the term. In addition to socialising and developing their use of the Welsh language by talking to the residents, children are given an opportunity to keep fit by walking to the home. This is a good opportunity for children to observe and appreciate the world around them and talk to the staff. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about road safety. While at the home, they play games, talk and sing Welsh nursery rhymes with the residents. They share their experiences with each other and talk about day-to-day life. The kitchen staff prepare a healthy snack for them, which is also a good opportunity for the children to socialise. In addition to the monthly visits, the children attend the home’s Christmas lunch, which is an excellent opportunity for all children at the setting to socialise and sing with the residents.

What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?

Visits to the care home develop children’s social, emotional and linguistic skills very successfully. Children learn and practise traditional Welsh songs and nursery rhymes in a fun and purposeful way. A few shy children have also gained the self-confidence to talk to others through the medium of Welsh. A few of the elderly people who did not socialise with others previously look forward to these visits and enjoy coming to the lounge to sing and socialise.

How have you shared your good practice?

The setting reports back regularly through the Flying Start and Mudiad Meithrin link officers, in addition to the local authority’s advisory teacher, in order to share its practice with other settings. Information is also shared with parents and the public through social media and the community newspaper.