Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin

Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin is a movement for the formation and support of Welsh Medium Nursery groups. These voluntary groups are often crucial in the subsequent establishment of a Welsh Medium primary school in the area. The movement is particularly active in anglicized areas of Wales and has had major growth since the 70s. Correct name is Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin (Nursery Schools Movement)

History

Formed in 1971 with the aims of developing Welsh medium Nursery Education. Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin followed the establishment of voluntary Nurseries in Caerdydd (Cardiff) and Caerfyrddin (Carmarthen) in 1943, and in Barry in 1951, however Welsh Medium Nurseries were very rare before MYMs foundation in the 1970s. By 1996 over 650 groups were active and by 2000 there were over 14,000 children in the various types of Nursery. The expansion of state supported Nursery Education in recent years has led to further growth.

Provision

The MYM movement has provision throughout Wales at several levels and is in partnership with local and national government.

• cylchoedd meithrin = nursery circles
• cylchoedd Ti a Fi = parent and toddler groups (the parents are often learning Welsh at the same sessions)
• day nurseries
• integrated centres.

Partners

MYM receives both moral and material support from several Welsh medium bodies

• The Welsh Language Board (government agency)
• Young Farmers Wales (youth movement)
• Urdd Gobaith Cymru (youth movement)
• Merched y Wawr (women's movement similar to the Women's Institute)
• Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru (Welsh National Cultural festival)

TWF

Links

• http://www.mym.co.uk in English and Welsh