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Welsh Language

As an early years and childcare provider, one of the most important things your staff needs are good communication skills.

These are skills in communicating with children and their families or carers, other staff members and external partners such as Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).

Why is the Welsh language important in the early years?

Everyone who works in social care and childcare can make a difference by asking themselves “What can I do to help improve Welsh language provision and promote Welsh culture?”

Small changes can make a big difference.

  • Children's rights
    Communicating in childrens' and their families' or carers' preferred language helps to make sure childrens' needs are met. Children have a right to use their preferred language to express their views and influence the things that affect them.
    This is supported by Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
  • Building foundations for communication
    The communication skills that children learn early in life will be the foundation for their communication abilities in the future. Strong language skills are an asset that will support a lifetime of effective communication. The first step is to recognise that the ability to speak Welsh is a skill just like any other, and it should be valued and used positively.
  • National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare
    For children up to the age of 12 there is a section on meeting individual needs. The national minimum standards clearly outline that settings should take into account the needs and preferences of individual children in relation to their home language and in line with their rights.

Welsh Government have a vision to increase the number of people able to enjoy speaking and using Welsh to a million by 2050. Here's the Welsh Language Strategy Video, which is very informative!

GOV Wales - Cymraeg 2050: A Million Welsh Speakers 

YouTube - Cymraeg 2050 A Million Welsh Speakers 

Camau

Camau offers bespoke Welsh courses for the early years and childcare sector. They have a range of online self-study courses that give you 24/7 access to sector specific Welsh language learning opportunites and resources.

Camau - Welsh Language 

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs - Camau Case Study: Flintshire Setting 

Cylch Ti a Fi

Baby and Toddler groups (Cylch Ti a Fi) are great places to meet with other carers and develop your Welsh Language skills.

Everyone is welcome even if you don't speak Welsh.

Meithrin Cymru - Cylch Ti a Fi 

YouTube - What does Cylch Meithrin mean? 

Developing a bilingual workforce for the Early Years and Childcare Sector

This short course gives early years and childcare providers a set of tools and resources that will help you understand which roles need particular Welsh language skills. It also has further resources to assess levels of staff competence in communicating in Welsh. 

Social Care Wales - Developing a Bilingual Workforce for the Early Years and Childcare Sector 

More than just words

More than just words is a Strategic Framework for promoting Welsh Language and culture in Health, Social Services and Social Care in Wales.

Here you will find information about the 'Active Offer'. Making an ‘Active Offer’ is about creating the right environment where children/people feel empowered and confident their needs will be met.

It is the responsibility of everyone who provides care services for people and their families across Wales to promote Welsh language and culture, putting the person at the core of services.

Care Inspectorate Wales - More than just words