21-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Newtown preschool setting awarded top rating with Estyn
A Welsh language preschool where children 'feel happy and completely safe' has not only been rated 'good' but also 'excellent' following a glowing inspection.
Cylch Meithrin Y Drenewydd at Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd in Newtown received the top rating in teaching, care and development, and leadership and management and classed 'Good' in wellbeing, learning and environment following a joint inspection by Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) in March.
The early years setting, which was praised for having 'confident and curious' children and staff as 'excellent role models', impressed the inspectors so much that it will be used as a case study for other preschools to learn from.
At the beginning of each session, inspectors found that the children settle 'exceptionally quickly' and feel 'completely happy' playing confidently alongside their friends.
'Children of all ages interact extremely effectively with each other and practitioner,' the report said.
The report also highlighted the children's curiosity and enthusiasm, especially in outdoor activities playing in the water and sand and walking along wooden units and soft blocks to reach the other side.
Inspectors also praised the progress made by older children, stating that nearly all the children use appropriate language to discuss while playing and demonstrate sound personal, social and emotional skills and treat others with courtesy.
Inspectors also commended the professionalism of staff who have fostered an 'exceptionally close' relationship with the children and greet them in a 'happy and loving' manner when they arrive at the setting.
'Practitioners promote children's play, learning and development particularly effectively, by using humour and encouragement continuously. They know the children exceptionally well and show pride and passion when discussing achievements.
'They demonstrate excellent knowledge and understanding of child safeguarding.'
Estyn and CIW described the practitioners as 'excellent role models' (Image: Anwen Parry)
Jan Davies, preschool setting manager, said: 'I'm incredibly proud of our dedicated team whose passion, care, and commitment have been recognised so highly in this report.
'Their hard work truly makes a difference every day.
'This recognition also highlights the vital role Cylch Meithrin plays in promoting the Welsh language here in Newtown.
'It's wonderful to see the language thriving, and we're proud to be part of its growth and visibility in our community'.
Due to its success, the Cylch setting has been selected by CIW and Estyn to be the subject of a case study.
The study will explore how the setting maintains strong partnerships that positively influence provision, with the aim of sharing best practices with other organisations.
