Community playgroups win awards for work in Welsh

THE hard work, dedication and commitment of the Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Welsh-medium early years workforce has been officially recognised at the Mudiad Meithrin National Awards.

The council’s Cylchoedd Meithrin playgroups, delivered in Welsh, are located across the borough, open to young children in the locality, irrespective of what language they speak at home.

Councillor Joy Rosser, cabinet member for education and inclusion services, said: “It is fantastic that the staff of the council’s Cylchoedd Meitrhrin playgroups are being recognised for the great work that they do every day for young children in our communities.

“The work of the Cylchoedd Meithrin is incredibly important, supporting our youngest learners through the medium of Welsh, helping to progress our ambitious plans for increasing the number of Welsh-speakers across our county borough.”

Councillor Geraint Hopkins, cabinet member for adult community services and Welsh language, said: “I send my congratulations to all the Meithrin groups and their workforces across Rhondda Cynon Taf for the service they provide through the medium of Welsh to our very young learners in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

“This is where the exciting learning journey begins for these young people in their formative years, and I am delighted that the work our local groups and individuals in our early years settings has been officially recognised at the annual Mudiad Meithrin Awards.

“The last 18 months have been challenging for us all, but our key workers maintained the service during the pandemic and this is a great way to recognise their commitment and dedication to the early years sector.”

Based in a range of settings, Cylchoedd Meithrin inspire development through play, putting children in good stead for future language development as they become bilingual from an early age.

The Mudiad Meithrin National Awards ceremony took place at Theatre y Werin, Aberystwyth, highlighting the work of the Welshmedium childcare sector and those who work within it, making a positive difference to young lives.

In the Cylch Meithrin South East Wales category at the 2021 Mudiad Meithrin Awards, the three top awards went to groups based in Rhondda Cynon Taf – Cylch Meithrin Evan James, Pontypridd; second, Cylch Meithrin Camau Cyntaf Llanhari; and third, Cylch Meithrin Nant Dyrys, Ynyswen.

Karlie Jo Davies (Cylch Meithrin Penderyn) was honoured in the Assistant category and Cylch Meithrin Beddau was honoured in the Committee category.