Strong community links that effectively support children’s social, emotional skills and wider experiences
Quick links:
Information about the setting
Cylch Meithrin Machynlleth is a voluntary-managed early years setting offering education, childcare, and Flying Start provision through the medium of Welsh. The setting is located in the town of Machynlleth, within the grounds of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen. The setting is registered to care for up to 24 children per session, aged between two and four years old.
The setting welcomes children from a variety of backgrounds, with the majority coming from English-speaking families. This inclusive approach supports children in developing Welsh language skills while nurturing their overall development.
The setting’s vision is built around the belief that every child should be: joyful, confident, and independent (Plant Llawen, hyderus, annibynnol). This ethos underpins the setting’s daily practice and long-term goals for each child’s growth.
The setting is supported by a dedicated team of experienced staff, a committed responsible individual, and an active management committee. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, care, and enthusiasm to create a warm and engaging environment for all children.
Context and background to the effective or innovative practice
A key strength of Cylch Meithrin Machynlleth lies in the strong partnerships it has developed within the local community. Practitioners place high value on these connections and use them to plan rich, meaningful experiences that help children engage with and understand their local area. These experiences give children a strong sense of belonging and pride, while also celebrating the diverse culture of modern Wales and fostering a deep sense of cynefin.
Regular visits to nearby shops, the town market, Gerddi Bro Ddyfi gardens, the local church, library, and park are embedded into practice. A particular highlight last year was the lantern procession, created so that families could continue a much loved tradition when the town event was cancelled. Carrying their handmade lanterns, the children and their families walked together through the town. On the way, the procession stopped at the local care home, where residents waved at the children through the windows as they passed by. The residents admired the lanterns’ light, colours, and shapes, and thanked the children for visiting, creating a moment of shared joy. The procession then continued to the town clock, where the children joined the wider community for the Christmas light switch-on, ending with a sense of joy, belonging, and celebration. In the hours and days that followed, the children, families, and staff reflected on how special the evening had been.
These experiences strengthen children’s social and emotional skills, enhance wellbeing, and broaden their understanding of the world around them. By embedding community life into daily routines, the setting helps children develop the confidence, resilience, and sense of identity they need to thrive.
Description of nature of strategy or activity
At Cylch Meithrin Machynlleth, community connections are central to the setting’s ethos, fostering belonging, wellbeing, and pride. Practitioners build on children’s home experiences through visits to shops, the market, gardens, library, church, and park, nurturing cynefin, confidence, and emotional literacy. Intergenerational links flourish at the residential care home, where children sing, play, and form genuine bonds with residents, often including family members. Church visits and seasonal activities deepen understanding of traditions and caring for others. Regular opportunities, such as the lantern procession, Random Act of Kindness Day, and work with Gerddi Bro Ddyfi, continue to enrich learning and strengthen community ties.
How have you shared your good practice?
Good practice at Cylch Meithrin Machynlleth is shared through word of mouth, with families, staff, and community partners recognizing the impact of community involvement on children’s social and emotional growth. Social media further showcases visits, events, and celebrations, highlighting how these experiences enrich learning and belonging.