What is Welsh Language Education
Have you been thinking about your child's care and education, and which school you would like them to go to? Does a Welsh-medium school sound good to you?
Can my child go to a local Welsh-medium school?
The Welsh language belongs to every child. There’s a local Welsh-medium school in your area. Your child can attend a Welsh-medium nursery, Welsh-medium primary school, Welsh-medium secondary school, and afterwards use their Welsh language when training, studying and working.
When a child goes to Welsh medium school, they will leave able to speak Welsh, and English to the same standard as children in English-medium schools. The majority of children in Welsh-medium education do not speak Welsh at home, however before the end of their first year, they will be talking with their new friends in Welsh!
Why is speaking Welsh so popular?
Lots of people speak Welsh locally, it gives people a feeling of belonging and want their children to speak it too. Parents and carers are looking to send their children to Welsh-medium schools, so they get the rounded Welsh speaking experience.
What about..
helping my child at home?
Schools speak both Welsh and English with parents, wanting parents to feel part of the school community. All information and homework is provided in English and Welsh.
learning English?
When a child goes to Welsh medium school, they will leave able to speak English to the same standard as children in English-medium schools.
getting to school?
There’s a Welsh-medium school near you and if you live more than 2 miles away from your nearest Welsh-medium primary school or more than 3 miles from your nearest secondary school or your catchment secondary school the Council will provide transport for free. For further information go your local area page
if my child has additional learning needs?
All schools support children with Additional Learning Needs. All children are welcome in Welsh-medium schools and make friends in their local school and community. All school staff teams have training on providing what’s important for your child and local authorities have specialist Welsh speaking staff. Some children may need more specific support and may need to access a Specialist Resource Base (SRB) placement. Watch our fideos of parents of children with additional learning needs who go to Welsh-medium schools in the Experiences section to hear from Rhiannon, Jayne, Lynne and Emma, and Siân.
the new national curriculum?
The curriculum is followed in the same way as all primary schools south-east Wales. Schools create a learning environment suitable for each individual child. In Welsh-medium schools children are immersed in a Welsh language environment where they absorb the language whilst making progress in their physical development, wellbeing, communication, exploration and belonging pathways, at their own pace.
moving my child to a Welsh-medium school later on?
That’s great idea! More and more people are doing this for all kinds of reasons and it’s really successful. There is a latecomer immersion service in all parts of south-east Wales which can help children learn Welsh quickly to support their move to Welsh-medium education.
Generally, this takes one to two terms depending on the needs of the child. During transition their time will be shared between their new school and the immersion service. If the immersion services is not based at their school we’ll provide free transport to it. For more information speak to the head teacher at the Welsh medium school you are applying to attend.
playing in Welsh?
Your local school will have a great Welsh language vibe and introduce you to play activities by the Menter Iaith or Urdd for your child to enjoy it to the max! Visit the Home and Childcare page or the Life in Welsh for more.
Local Schools
To find your local school go to the Schools Search page. For more information on Welsh-medium schools in your area and your catchment area choose your area on the Areas map.