Rhondda Cynon Taf

Welsh Medium Education in RCT

There are many added benefits to choosing a Welsh medium education, we’ve covered them in our handy guide for parents/guardians which is available to view here: Being Bilingual in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Research has shown that children who speak two languages can be more versatile, more creative in their thinking and can find it easier to learn other languages. The benefits continue into adulthood as speaking more than one language is an additional skill to add to your CV and employers in Wales need bilingual workforces as services need to be offered bilingually.

Would you like to talk to someone about Welsh medium education? Your local Welsh school will be more than happy to talk you through any queries you may have. Please click here to find your local Welsh school.

Taith Iaith – Latecomers to Welsh education

Support is now available to enable latecomers to the language to access Welsh medium education and begin their journey to becoming bilingual. This service offers:

·        An immersive learning experience tailored to suit each individual

·        A step-by-step guide to learning the Welsh language

·        Support and guidance for pupils, staff and parents/carers

·        Continued support for pupils when returning to the Welsh medium classroom

Any pupils in Years 2 – 6 who are transferring from an English medium school to a Welsh medium school can apply for this service. 

For further information and enquiries, please contact the Welsh Language Immersion team: WelshLanguageImmersion@rctcbc.gov.uk 

Childcare

Cylchoedd Meithrin are playgroups delivered in Welsh. They welcome all children, irrespective of what language they speak at home.

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

Find your local Cylch Meithrin via the DEWIS database or via the Cylch Meithrin website.

Parent and Baby/Toddler Groups

From the earliest stages, you and your baby can access baby massage, baby yoga and Welsh rhyme time and sign sessions. Cymraeg for Kids offer free sessions throughout RCT. 

Cylch Ti a Fi is a parent and baby/toddler group which is run bilingually and provide an opportunity for you to get an idea of how your child will settle into a Cylch Meithrin.

These groups are a great way to socialise and meet other parents who may not have any Welsh skills. You don’t need to speak Welsh to attend – there’s a warm welcome to all.

You don’t have to attend these sessions to attend a Cylch Meithrin or to attend a Welsh school – your child will be supported at all stages of their journey. 

For further information on the free parent and baby sessions, please follow their Facebook page: Cymraeg i Blant Rhondda Cynon Taf | Facebook

To find your local Cylch Ti a Fi, please click here. 

Welsh Medium Flying Start Provision

Every child aged 2+ who lives in a Flying Start area can access their Flying Start placement through the medium of Welsh in a Cylch Meithrin. You have a choice – ask for Welsh medium Flying Start provision when choosing childcare.

For any enquiries, contact RCT Family Information Service on 0800 180 4151.