Cyflwynwyd yr ymateb hwn i'r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg ar Bil y Gymraeg ac Addysg (Cymru)

This response was submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee on the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill

WLE 26
Ymateb gan: Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’
Response from: Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’

Rhagymadrodd Mae Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd datblygu’r Gymraeg ac yn falch o gymryd rhan weithredol wrth gyfrannu, trwy ein prosiectau, at darged Llywodraeth Cymru o 1 miliwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050. Fel sefydliad, rydym yn cytuno ei bod yn hollbwysig gosod sail statudol i’r targed er mwyn cyfleu ymrwymiad Llywodraeth Cymru i Gymraeg 2050 a’r camau y mae’n gobeithio eu cymryd i gyflawni’r nod hwn. Rydym yn croesawu’r diwygiadau arfaethedig i gategoreiddio iaith ar gyfer ysgolion, a fydd yn helpu i safoni dysgu Cymraeg a sicrhau bod pob plentyn yn gadael y system addysg â lefel sylfaenol o sgiliauyn y Gymraeg. Mae’n galonogol gwybod y bydd pob ysgol yn cynnig y Gymraeg ac y bydd safoni.  Mae hefyd yn galonogol gweld bod cynlluniau ac arweiniad ar gyfer  ysgolion sy’n symud ar hyd y continwwm iaith a’r hyn a ddisgwylir gan lywodraethwyr, gan gynnwys ymgynghori â rhieni a'u hanghenion/dymuniadau a bod yr awdurdod lleol yn cael ei gynnwys wrth gymeradwyo'r cynlluniau hyn. Mewn cyfarfod diweddar gyda thîm Cynllun Strategol y Gymraeg mewn Addysg (WESP) fel rhan o’n gwaith parhaus, amlygwyd bod y ganran o deuluoedd sy’n dewis addysg cyfrwng-Cymraeg mewn un awdurdod lleol, yn ogystal â siroedd tebyg eraill, yn parhau’n nodedig o isel. Nododd y tîm hwn symudiad yn eu ffocws tuag at gefnogi’r pontio o’r sector gofal plant i addysg gynradd, yn hytrach na’r pwyslais traddodiadol ar y pontio rhwng yr ysgol gynradd a’r ysgol uwchradd. Credwn, trwy hybu’r Gymraeg a chynyddu ei phresenoldeb o fewn y sector gofal plant, y bydd rhieni’n magu mwy o hyder wrth ddewis addysg cyfrwng-Cymraeg i’w plant. Ystyrir bod mwy o hyrwyddo a chefnogaeth yn y cyfnod cynnar hwn yn allweddol i annog mwy o deuluoedd i ddewis ysgolion cyfrwng-Cymraeg llawn Mae Cymraeg yn fwy na dim ond iaith a siaredir mewn ysgolion; mae’n iaith gymunedol fyw ac arni angen cymorth i ffynnu mewn bywyd bob dydd. I lawer o rieni, gall ystyriaethau ymarferol, megis gofal plant, effeithio ar eu penderfyniad i ddewis addysg-cyfrwng Cymraeg. Gyda'r rhan fwyaf o gyflogaeth a hyfforddiant yn digwydd y tu allan i oriau ysgol traddodiadol o 9yb i 3yh, neu am fwy na 39 wythnos y flwyddyn, mae rhieni'n dibynnu ar wasanaethau addysg a gofal plant. Os na all ysgolion cyfrwng-Cymraeg ddiwallu’r anghenion teuluol ehangach hyn, efallai y bydd rhai rhieni’n teimlo bod rhaid iddynt ddewis lleoliadau addysgol amgen, waeth beth fo’u dymuniad i gefnogi dysgu cyfrwng-Cymraeg. Dyma lle gall y sector Gofal Plant a Gwaith Chwarae chwarae rhan hollbwysig. Rydym mewn sefyllfa unigryw i helpu i gynyddu defnydd plant o’r Gymraeg y tu allan i leoliad ffurfiol yr ysgol. Trwy wreiddio’r Gymraeg mewn Clybiau Gofal Plant All-Ysgol, gallwn gefnogi gweledigaeth y Llywodraeth o 1 miliwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050. Mae Clybiau Gofal Plant All-Ysgol  yn darparu amgylchedd hamddenol i blant lle mae chwarae’n hunangyfeiriedig ac yn cael ei ddewis yn rhydd, sy’n creu cyfleoedd delfrydol i gyflwyno'r Gymraeg mewn ffordd hwyliog, achlysurol. Mae hyn nid yn unig yn cefnogi datblygiad iaith plant ond hefyd yn eu hannog i weld y Gymraeg fel iaith fyw y gallant ei defnyddio yn eu bywydau bob dydd. Fel yr eglura'r Athro Colin Baker, "Mae pobl ifanc yn codi iaith mor hawdd. Mae iaith yn cael ei chaffael yn ddiarwybod, yn isymwybodol ... Mae plant ifanc yn dysgu ieithoedd mor naturiol ag y maent yn dysgu rhedeg a neidio, paentio a chwarae." (A Parents’ and Teachers’ guide to Bilingualism, yr Athro Colin Baker) Mae hyn yn amlygu’r rôl hollbwysig y mae’r sector Gofal Plant a Gwaith Chwarae yn ei chwarae—nid yn unig o ran darparu gwasanaethau hanfodol i gefnogi teuluoedd sy’n gweithio ond hefyd wrth gadw a hyrwyddo’r Gymraeg fel rhan fyw, egnïol o fywydau plant.	Introduction Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs recognises the importance of developing the Welsh language and is proud of taking an active role in contributing, through our projects, to the Welsh Government’s target of 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. As an organisation, we agree that by making a statutory basis for the target is crucial to convey the commitment of the Welsh Government to Cymraeg 2050 and the steps by which it hopes to achieve this aim. We welcome the proposed revisions to language categorisation for schools, which will help standardise Welsh language learning and ensure that all children leave the education system with a baseline level of Welsh language skills. It is encouraging to know that all schools will be offering the Welsh language and that there will be a standardisation.  It is also encouraging to see that there are plans to and a guide to schools moving along the language continuum and what is expected of governors, including consultation with parents and their needs/wishes and that the local authority is included in approving these plans. During a recent meeting with a Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) team as part of our ongoing work, it was highlighted that in one local authority, as well as in other similar counties, the percentage of families opting for Welsh-medium education remains notably low. The team noted a shift in their focus towards supporting the transition from the childcare sector to primary education, rather than the traditional emphasis on the primary to secondary school transition. We believe that by promoting the Welsh language and increasing its presence within the childcare sector, parents will gain more confidence in choosing Welsh-medium education for their children. Increased promotion and support at this early stage is seen as key to encouraging more families to select fully Welsh-medium schools Welsh is more than just a language spoken in schools; it is a living community language that needs support to flourish in everyday life. For many parents, practical considerations, such as childcare, can impact their decision to choose Welsh-medium education. With the majority of employment and training happening outside the traditional school hours of 9am to 3pm, or for more than 39 weeks a year, parents rely on both education and childcare services. If Welsh-medium schools cannot meet these wider family needs, some parents may feel compelled to choose alternative educational settings, regardless of their desire to support Welsh-medium learning. This is where the Childcare and Playwork sector can play a crucial role. We are uniquely positioned to help increase children’s use of the Welsh language outside the formal school setting. By embedding Welsh in Out of School Childcare Clubs, we can support the Government’s vision of 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. Out of School Childcare Clubs provide children with a relaxed environment where play is self-directed and freely chosen, which creates ideal opportunities to introduce Welsh in a fun, incidental way. This not only supports children’s language development but also encourages them to see Welsh as a living language they can use in their daily lives. As Professor Colin Baker explains, "Young people pick up language so easily. Language is acquired unwittingly, subconsciously… Young children learn languages as naturally as they learn to run and jump, paint and play." (A parents’ and Teachers’ guide to Bilingualism, Professor Colin Baker) This highlights the critical role that the Childcare and Playwork sector plays—not only in providing essential services to support working families but also in preserving and promoting the Welsh language as an active, living part of children’s lives.
Lliniaru’r rhwystrau i rieni Gwyddom fod rhieni’n ei chael hi’n anodd dod o hyd i ddarpariaeth Gofal Plant Ôl-Ysgol a Gwyliau sy’n gofrestredig ag Arolygiaeth Gofal Cymru (AGC) ac ar gael trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Gwyddom hefyd am fanteision mynediad i leoliadau cyfrwng-Cymraeg lle gall plant chwarae a chymdeithasu gan ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg – a’i bwysigrwydd wrth gefnogi plant wrth iddynt symud drwy addysg cyfrwng-Cymraeg. AGC Arolygiaeth Gofal Cymru (AGC) yw’r unig Gorff Rheoleiddio sy’n arolygu Lleoliadau Gofal Plant yng Nghymru ac mae’n gwneud yn sicr bod lleoliadau’n bodloni’r gofynion a nodir yn y Safonau Gofynnol Cenedlaethol ar gyfer Gofal Plant a Reoleiddir i blant hyd at 12 mlwydd oed. Fel Darparwr Gofal Plant Cofrestredig AGC mae llawer o fanteision o gofrestru a byddant yn gallu darparu’r canlynol i ddefnyddwyr gwasanaeth: · Mynediad rhieni at gymorth ariannol trwy gynlluniau'r Llywodraeth megis: o Y Cynnig Gofal Plant o Gofal Plant Di-dreth. o Credyd Cynhwysol o Credydau Treth Gwaith · Sicrwydd bod gan yr holl staff wiriadau DBS a hyfforddiant perthnasol e.e. Diogelu, Cymorth Cyntaf, Hylendid Bwyd · Sicrwydd trwy gymarebau staffio gofynnol rhagnodedig (1 oedolyn i 8 plentyn o dan 8, 1 oedolyn i 10 plentyn 8-12 mlwydd oed) · Profiadau Chwarae o safon trwy staff sydd wedi'u hyfforddi mewn Gwaith Chwarae · Oriau agor i ddiwallu anghenion rhieni/gofalwyr sy'n gweithio. Yn 2021-22, roedd cyfanswm o 3,574 o leoliadau gofal plant a chwarae yng Nghymru, yn darparu 81,426 o leoedd i blant. Mae’r lleoliadau hyn yn chwarae rhan hanfodol wrth lunio datblygiad a phrofiadau plant y tu allan i amgylchedd traddodiadol yr ysgol. Maent hefyd yn cynnig cyfle amhrisiadwy i hyrwyddo’r Gymraeg mewn cyd-destun naturiol, bob dydd. Mae darparwyr gofal plant sydd wedi cofrestru ag AGC eisoes yn cyfrannu at ddefnyddio a hyrwyddo’r Gymraeg. Mae arolygwyr AGC yn asesu a yw lleoliadau’n cynnig y ‘Cynnig Gweithiol’, sef dull rhagweithiol o ddarparu gwasanaethau Cymraeg. Dywed y canllawiau diweddaraf ar y Cynnig Rhagweithiol: “Lle nad yw gwasanaeth yn gweithio tuag at y cynnig gweithiol ac nad yw’n gwneud unrhyw ymdrech sylweddol i wneud hynny, dylid ystyried yn ofalus cyn dyfarnu sgôr ragorol ar gyfer llesiant, gofal a chymorth/datblygiad neu arweinyddiaeth.” Mae’r canllawiau hyn yn gosod disgwyliad clir bod yn rhaid i leoliadau gofal plant sydd wedi’u cofrestru ag AGC wneud ymdrechion ystyrlon i hybu’r Gymraeg. Mae’r ffocws hwn ar ddarparu’r Gymraeg yn magu hyder rhieni a theuluoedd, gan eu hannog i ystyried gofal ac addysg Gymraeg i’w plant. Drwy sicrhau bod y Gymraeg yn cael ei defnyddio’n weithredol mewn lleoliadau gofal plant, gallwn gryfhau’r cysylltiad rhwng gofal ac addysg cyfrwng- Cymraeg, gan greu pont di-dor sy’n meithrin agwedd gadarnhaol at yr iaith o oedran ifanc. Drwy gydnabod y gwaith a wneir gan y sector gofal plant a chwarae, gallwn gyrraedd nid yn unig plant ond eu teuluoedd a’u cymunedau, gan hyrwyddo’r Gymraeg mewn modd sy’n gynhwysol ac yn gynaliadwy. Mae’r dull cyfannol hwn yn atgyfnerthu gweledigaeth Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer Cymru ddwyieithog ac yn helpu i sicrhau bod y nod o 1 miliwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050 yn dod yn realiti.	Mitigation to parental barriers We know parents struggle to find good quality Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) registered Afterschool and Holiday Childcare provision, available through the medium of Welsh. We also know the benefits of access to Welsh medium settings where children can play and socialise using Welsh – and its importance in supporting children as they move through Welsh medium education. CIW Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) is the only Regulatory Body who inspects Childcare Settings in Wales and verifies that settings are meeting the requirements laid out in the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12 years old. As a CIW Registered Childcare Provider there are many benefits of becoming registered and they will be able to provide service users with: · Parental access to financial support through Government schemes such as: o The Childcare Offer o Tax-Free Childcare. o Universal Credit o Working Tax Credits · Assurance that all staff have DBS checks and relevant training e.g. Safeguarding, First Aid, Food Hygiene · Assurance through prescribed minimum staffing ratios (1 adult to 8 children under 8, 1 adult to 10 children between 8-12 years) · Quality Play experiences through Playwork trained staff · Opening times to meet the needs of working parents/carers In 2021-22, there were a total of 3,574 childcare and play settings in Wales, providing 81,426 spaces for children. These settings play a crucial role in shaping children’s development and experiences outside of the traditional school environment. They also offer an invaluable opportunity to promote the Welsh language in a natural, everyday context. Childcare providers registered with CIW are already contributing to the use and promotion of Welsh. CIW inspectors assess whether settings are offering the Welsh language ‘Active Offer’, a proactive approach to providing Welsh language services. The latest guidance on the Active Offer States: “Where a service is not working towards the active offer and not making any significant effort to do so, careful consideration should be given before awarding an excellent rating for well-being, care and support/development or leadership.” This guidance sets a clear expectation that CIW-registered childcare settings must make meaningful efforts to promote the Welsh language. This focus on Welsh language provision builds the confidence of parents and families, encouraging them to consider Welsh language care and education for their children. By ensuring that Welsh is actively used in childcare settings, we can strengthen the link between care and Welsh-medium schooling, creating a seamless transition that fosters a positive attitude toward the language from a young age. By recognising the work done by the childcare and play sector, we can reach not only children but their families and communities, promoting the Welsh language in a way that is both inclusive and sustainable. This holistic approach reinforces the Welsh Government’ vision for a bilingual Wales and helps ensure that the goal of 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050 becomes a reality.
Gofal All-Ysgol Mae 75% o glybiau ar ôl ysgol cyfrwng Cymraeg wedi’u lleoli ar safle ysgol o’r rheini mae 59% wedi’u cofrestru ag AGC. Drwy ein prosiect CYMell a ariennir gan Lywodraeth Cymru (mae’r cyllid yn dod i ben ym mis Mawrth 2025) anelwyd at gynyddu hygyrchedd gofal plant cyfrwng Cymraeg a dwyieithog cofrestredig AGC, gan gefnogi gallu rhieni i gael mynediad at gynlluniau cymorth ariannol. Mae ein prosiect CYMell wedi anelu at:   · ysgogi lleoliadau Gofal Plant All-Ysgol cyfrwng-Cymraeg a dwyieithog nad ydynt wedi'u cofrestru i gofrestru ag AGC, gan roi’r cyfle iddynt gefnogi'r Gymraeg, hefyd i gynnig gofal plant mwy fforddiadwy i gefnogi teuluoedd.  Trwy roi cyfle i rieni a gofalwyr ddychwelyd i waith neu hyfforddiant galluogir lleoliadau i ddarparu Y Cynnig Gofal Plant a Gofal Plant Di-dreth.   · hyfforddi unigolion sy'n siarad Cymraeg mewn Gwaith Chwarae, gan ddileu'r rhwystr cymwysterau i'r clybiau rhag cofrestru ag AGC.   · cefnogi lleoliadau drwy gyfrwng ein  Swyddogion Datblygu Busnes Gofal Plant Cymraeg dynodedig  · darparu cronfa grant i gefnogi lleoliadau sy'n dangos ymrwymiad i gofrestru, gan ganiatáu iddynt dalu costau staff sy'n mynychu hyfforddiant a'r oriau sy'n gysylltiedig â gweithio tuag at gyflwyno cais i gofrestru. Drwy ein gwaith rydym wedi cefnogi nifer o ysgolion yng Nghymru a fynegodd fod angen clwb ar ôl ysgol arnynt gan fod llywodraethwyr a phenaethiaid yn teimlo bod rhieni’n dewis ysgolion mewn mannau eraill am fod ganddynt ofal plant ar y safle. Dywedodd un ysgol Gymraeg yng nghefn gwlad Sir Gaerfyrddin eu bod wedi colli 2 o blant oedd i fod i ddechrau ym mis Medi i ysgol o fewn y dref oherwydd bod ganddynt ofal plant ar y safle. Trwy ein gwaith gyda Mudiad Meithrin rydym wedi bod yn gweithio gyda llawer o Gylchoedd sydd wedi’u lleoli ar, neu’n agos at, safleoedd ysgolion i agor gofal dydd llawn sy’n cynnwys gofal cofleidiol, Cylch a Chlwb Gofal Plant All-Ysgol. Mae hyn yn galluogi rhieni i ddychwelyd i'r gwaith, gweithio oriau hirach neu hyfforddi. Mae parhad a chynefindra’r safle a’r staff hefyd yn galluogi’r rhieni i deimlo’n gyfforddus ac yn hyderus yn eu dewis o ysgol a gofal plant, yn ogystal â galluogi rhieni â mwy nag un plentyn yno i’w gollwng a’u casglu o un safle.	Out of School Care 75% of Welsh medium after school clubs are based on a school site of those 59% are CIW registered. Through our Welsh Government funded CYMell project (funding ends March 2025) we aimed to increase the accessibility to CIW registered Welsh medium and bilingual childcare, supporting parents ability to access financial support schemes. Our CYMell project has aimed to: · motivate unregistered Welsh medium and bilingual Out of School Childcare settings to become CIW registered, allowing them to support the Welsh language, also to offer more affordable childcare to support families. By enabling parents and carers to return to work or training settings are enabled to deliver The Childcare Offer and Tax-Free Childcare.    · train Welsh speaking individuals in Playwork, removing the qualification barrier to the clubs becoming registered with CIW.    · support settings with our dedicated Welsh Language Childcare Business Development Officers   · provide a grant fund to support settings who show a commitment to registration, allowing them to cover the costs of staff attending training and the hours involved in working towards submitting an application to register.  Through our work we have supported a number of schools in Wales that expressed that they needed an afterschool club as governors and headteachers felt parents were choosing schools elsewhere as they had childcare on site. One Welsh language school based in rural Carmarthenshire stated that they had lost 2 children who were due to start in September to a school within the town as they had childcare on site. Through our work with Mudiad Meithrin we have been working with many Cylchoedd based on, or nearby school sites to open a full day care that includes wrap around, Cylch and an Out of School Childcare Club. This enables parents to return to work, work longer hours or to train. The continuity and familiarity of the site and staff also enables the parents to feel comfortable and confident in their choice of school and childcare, as well as enabling parents with more than one child to drop off and collect from one site.
“Mae'r Cylch yn awyddus i ddechrau clwb ar gyfer darparu gwasanaeth gofal ôl-ysgol i blant y cylch a'r ysgol. Bydd plant yn cael cyfle i gymdeithasu a'u cyfoedion ac i gymryd rhan mewn gweithgareddau sy’n hybu eu lles corfforol a meddyliol wrth fynychu'r clwb. Bydd yn gyfle I’r plant gymdeithasu a magu perthnasau cadarnhaol a chyfeillgar â’u cyfoedion ac oedolion. Nid oes clwb o'r fath ar gael yn lleol ac rydym yn teimlo y byddai'n fanteisiol iawn i'r gymuned a theuluoedd ifanc ein cylch a'n hysgol ar gyfer sicrhau llesiant teulu cyfan, a hefyd er mwyn rhoi mynediad i     fyd gwaith i’r  rhieni.”	"The Cylch is keen to start a club to provide an after school care service for the children of the cylch and the school. Children will have the opportunity to socialize with their peers and to take part in activities that promote their physical and mental well-being when attending the club. It will be an opportunity for the children to socialize and build positive and friendly relationships with their peers and adults. There is no such club available locally and we feel that it would be very beneficial for the community and young families in our area and our school for ensuring the well-being of the whole family and enabling parents' access to work as well."
“Daeth yn amlwg yn gyflym iawn bod y rhieni oedd â diddordeb yn yr ysgol yn chwilio am ofal plant a oedd yn cynnwys clwb ôl-ysgol. Heb y gallu i gael clwb, rwy’n teimlo’n gryf na fyddai cymaint o rieni wedi dewis yr ysgol.” Astudiaeth Achos-Groes-Wen.pdf (clybiauplantcymru.org)  “Mae’n bwysig i ni gynyddu’r defnydd o’r Gymraeg yn y lleoliad i chwarae ein rhan yn ymgyrch Cymraeg 2050 Llywodraeth Cymru. Mae ysgolion hefyd yn canolbwyntio mwy ar gynyddu’r defnydd o’r Gymraeg ac rydym yn hoffi teimlo ein bod yn chwarae ein rhan i gefnogi’r plant a’r ysgolion.” Clwb Ôl-Ysgol Two Tribes, Sir Fynwy. “... roedd yn allweddol fod gan ddisgyblion bob cyfle i ddefnyddio’r iaith.” Pennaeth, Ysgol Gynradd Groes-wen Primary School. Astudiaeth Achos Ysgolion Bro (clybiauplantcymru.org)	“It became clear very quickly that the parents who were interested in the school were looking for childcare which included an after-school club. Without the ability to have a club, I feel strongly, so many parents will not have chosen the school.” Case-Study-Groes-Wen.pdf (clybiauplantcymru.org)  “It is important for us to increase the use of Welsh in the setting to play our part in the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 campaign. Schools are also focusing more on increasing the use of Welsh and we like to feel that we are playing our part in supporting the children and the schools” Two Tribes After School Club, Monmouthshire. “…it was the key for pupils to have every opportunity to use the language.” Headteacher, Ysgol Gynradd Groes-wen Primary School. CFS Case Study (clybiauplantcymru.org)
Hyfforddiant Trwy brosiect CYMell rydym hefyd wedi cefnogi mwy o glybiau chwarae ac ôl-ysgol i hyfforddi ac ennill cymwysterau gwaith chwarae trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg i gefnogi ehangu gwasanaethau cofrestredig. Hyd yma drwy’r prosiect darparwyd 193 o gymwysterau Gwaith Chwarae wedi'u cyflenwi a 97 wedi cyflawni.   “Fe wnaeth y cwrs fy helpu i wella fy nealltwriaeth o waith chwarae a darparu ffyrdd ymarferol o weithio y byddaf yn eu defnyddio bob dydd Roedd y ffaith ei fod yn Gymraeg yn ei wneud hyd yn oed yn fwy arbennig, gan mai dyna sut rydym yn rhyngweithio â’r plant.” "Roedd gallu astudio yn y Gymraeg yn wych. Nid yn unig fe wnaeth fy helpu i ennill y cymhwyster, ond fe wnaeth hefyd ddyfnhau fy nghysylltiad â'r iaith, sy'n hanfodol ar gyfer ein gwaith gyda'r plant." Mae hyn yn amlygu pwysigrwydd cynnig cyfleoedd hyfforddi yn y Gymraeg, yn enwedig i’r rhai sy’n gweithio mewn amgylcheddau dwyieithog, ac yn adlewyrchu ymrwymiad ehangach i gefnogi datblygiad proffesiynol ymarferwyr mewn cymunedau Cymraeg eu hiaith.	Training Through the CYMell project we have also supported more play and Afterschool clubs to train and gain playwork qualifications through the medium of Welsh to support expansion of registered services. Project to date, 193 Playwork qualifications have been delivered with 97 achievements "The course really helped me improve my understanding of playwork and provided practical tools that I will use every day The fact that it was in Welsh made it even more special, as it’s how we interact with the children."  "Being able to study in Welsh was fantastic. Not only did it help me achieve the qualification, but it also deepened my connection to the language, which is crucial for our work with the children."  This  highlights the importance of offering training opportunities in the Welsh language, particularly for those working in bilingual environments, and reflects a broader commitment to supporting the professional development of practitioners in Welsh-speaking communities.
Y Gweithle/Gweithlu Fel cynrychiolwyr y sector Gofal Plant All-Ysgol, mae Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs yn llwyr gefnogi ymdrechion Llywodraeth Cymru i gynyddu’r defnydd o’r Gymraeg, yn enwedig yn y gweithle. Credwn fod gan bob sector, gan gynnwys gofal plant a chwarae, ran i’w chwarae mewn hybu a defnyddio’r Gymraeg, gan gyfrannu at Gymru wirioneddol ddwyieithog. Yn unol ag amcan y Bil arfaethedig i osod targedau ar gyfer cynyddu defnydd o’r Gymraeg ar draws y sector addysg, hoffem bwysleisio pwysigrwydd cydnabod y gweithlu gofal plant a chwarae fel maes ffocws allweddol. Yn ôl y dadansoddiad mwyaf diweddar, mae tua 17,000 o bobl wedi eu cyflogi mewn lleoliadau gofal plant a chwarae cofrestredig ledled Cymru, sy’n rhoi cyfle sylweddol i greu effaith. Mae’r gweithlu gofal cymdeithasol ers tro yn cynnwys dros 84,000 o unigolion, gan danlinellu’r raddfa’r bosibl o ran  newid os caiff y Gymraeg ei hyrwyddo’n effeithiol yn y gweithleoedd hyn. Yng Nghyfrifiad 2021, roedd 70% o drigolion Cymru mewn cyflogaeth yn gweithio’n llawn amser. Gan fod nifer o rieni yn dibynnu ar wasanaethau gofal plant tra’n gweithio, mae yma gyfle i feithrin awyrgylch Cymraeg i bawb; rhieni, plant a staff gofal plant/chwarae. Drwy integreiddio’r Gymraeg yn ehangach mewn lleoliadau gofal plant, gallwn adeiladu sylfaen i blant a’u teuluoedd ddewis addysg cyfrwng- Cymraeg yn fwy hyderus, yn ogystal â sicrhau bod y gweithlu ehangach yn cyfrannu at nodau iaith Llywodraeth Cymru. Credwn ei bod yn hanfodol gosod targedau penodol ar gyfer y gweithle; mae gwaith rydym eisoes yn ei wneud drwy ein prosiect CYMell (yn benodol Addewid Cymru a Chamau a nodir isod) yn dangos bod y sector gofal plant a chwarae eisoes yn gweithio tuag at hyn. Maent nid yn unig yn hybu’r iaith ymhlith staff, ond hefyd yn cefnogi rhieni a phlant i ddod yn siaradwyr Cymraeg mwy hyderus, gan wreiddio’r iaith fel rhan naturiol o fywyd bob dydd yng Nghymru.	The Workplace/Workforce As representatives of the Out of School Childcare sector, Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs fully support the Welsh Government’s efforts to increase the use of the Welsh Language, particularly in the workplace. We believe that all sectors, including childcare and play, have a role in promoting and using Welsh, contributing to a truly bilingual Wales. In line with the proposed Bill’s objective to set targets for increasing Welsh language use across the education sector, we would like to emphasise the importance of recognising the childcare and play workforce as a key focus area. There are approximately 17,000 people employed in registered childcare and play settings across Wales, based on the most recent analysis, which provides a significant opportunity for impact. The social care workforce as a while includes over 84,000 individuals, underlining the scale of potential for change if Welsh is promoted effectively in these workplaces. In the 2021 Census, 70% of Welsh residents in employment worked full-time. As many parents rely on childcare services while working, there is an opportunity to foster a Welsh-speaking environment for everyone; parents, children and childcare/play staff. By integrating Welsh more widely into childcare settings, we can build a foundation for children and their families to choose Welsh-medium education with greater confidence, as well as ensure the wider workforce is contributing to Welsh Government’s language goals. We believe it is essential to set specific targets for the workplace; work we are already undertaking through our CYMell project (specifically Welsh Promise and Camau detailed below) shows that the childcare and play sector are already working toward this. They are not only promoting the language among staff, but also  support parents and children in becoming more confident Welsh speakers, embedding the language as a natural part of everyday life in Wales.
Yr Addewid Cymraeg Yng Nghlybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs, rydym yn cydnabod pwysigrwydd y Gymraeg wrth lunio ein diwylliant a’n hunaniaeth genedlaethol. Fel rhan o’n gwaith i gynyddu’r defnydd o’r Gymraeg yn y sector gofal plant a chwarae, rydym wedi cydweithio â CWLWM i ddatblygu’r Addewid Cymraeg, menter allweddol a luniwyd i gefnogi’r sector Gofal Plant All-Ysgol i hyrwyddo’r Gymraeg. Crëwyd yr Addewid Cymraeg i helpu lleoliadau gofal plant a chwarae i feithrin eu hyder wrth gyflwyno’r “Cynnig Gweithiol” ar gyfer yr iaith Gymraeg. Rydym yn deall y gall dechrau ar y daith hon deimlo’n frawychus i lawer o ddarparwyr, a dyna pam yr ydym wedi datblygu dull strwythuredig a chefnogol o weithredu. Mae’r Addewid Cymraeg yn arwain lleoliadau drwy daith sy’n dechrau gyda chamau bach y gellir eu rheoli ac sy’n adeiladu tuag at ymgysylltu’n llawn â’r Cynnig Rhagweithiol. Rhennir y daith yn dri cham: Efydd, Arian ac Aur. Mae pob cam yn adlewyrchu lefelau cynyddol o ddefnydd a hyrwyddo'r Gymraeg o fewn y lleoliad. Wrth i leoliadau symud o Efydd i Aur, maent yn dangos eu hymrwymiad i hyrwyddo'r Gymraeg a chreu amgylchedd dwyieithog i blant a theuluoedd. Gallwch ddarllen astudiaethau achos yma: https://www.clybiauplantcymru.org/cy/blog/projects/addewid-cymraeg-clybiau/ Ymrestriadau/Llwyddiannau Ers i ni lansio Addewid Cymru mae Clybiau Gofal Plant All-Ysgol  wedi: · 70 o leoliadau wedi'u cofrestru ar Efydd, 31 wedi'u cyflawni · 20 lleoliad wedi cofrestru ar Arian, 8 wedi'u cyflawni · 17 lleoliad wedi cofrestru ar Aur, 3 wedi'u cyflawni “Mae Addewid Cymru wedi magu ein hyder, yn enwedig pan fyddwn yn derbyn cymaint o adborth cadarnhaol ac anogaeth gan ein Swyddog Datblygu Busnes Gofal Plant. Mae’r Addewid hefyd wedi dylanwadu arnom ni i ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg yn llawer mwy yn ein bywydau personol.” Clwb Ôl-Ysgol Two Tribes, Sir Fynwy. Trwy'r cymorth hwn, mae un lleoliad gofal plant wedi trosglwyddo'n llwyddiannus i weithredu'n ddwyieithog. Mae'r clwb hwn, sy'n darparu gofal cofleidiol, wedi dod yn feithrinfa ddydd ddwyieithog gyntaf yn ei ardal, cyflawniad arwyddocaol a wnaed yn bosibl drwy gymryd rhan yn Yr Addewid Cymraeg. Mae eu hymrwymiad i ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg nid yn unig yn gwella’r gwasanaeth y maent yn ei ddarparu ond hefyd yn gosod esiampl gadarnhaol i leoliadau eraill ledled Cymru. Mae cam Aur yr addewid yn cynnwys y posibilrwydd o ddarparu’r Cynnig Gweithiol llawn, gyda lleoliadau yn gymwys i wneud cais am gydnabyddiaeth Cynnig Cymraeg gan Gomisiynydd y Gymraeg. Mae’r dull cam wrth gam hwn yn sicrhau bod darparwyr yn cael eu cefnogi ar hyd eu taith, gan wreiddio arferion Cymraeg yn raddol yn eu gweithrediadau bob dydd. “Rydym yn ddiolchgar bod y wobr, Addewid Cymraeg, yn dod i’r amlwg, ar ôl i un o staff Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs ddod atom yn dweud faint o Gymraeg yr oedd hi wedi’i gweld a’i chlywed ar ymweliad. Mae'n rhoi cydnabyddiaeth a chefnogaeth i ni ddatblygu ein Cymraeg a gynigiwn. Rydyn ni’n gobeithio defnyddio Cymraeg sylfaenol, bob dydd, a helpu plant i fod yn ddwyieithog lle nad ydyn nhw efallai’n gallu gwneud hynny gartref.” Meithrinfa Ddydd y Castell, Sir Ddinbych Trwy’r Addewid Cymraeg, rydym yn helpu i greu sylfaen gref ar gyfer defnydd o’r Gymraeg ar draws y sector gofal plant a chwarae. Trwy annog a chefnogi’r lleoliadau hyn i gofleidio’r Gymraeg, rydym nid yn unig yn cyfrannu at ddatblygiad ieithyddol plant ond hefyd at y nod ehangach o sicrhau bod y Gymraeg yn iaith fyw, ffyniannus ym mhob agwedd ar fywyd yng Nghymru.	Welsh Promise At Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs, we recognise the importance of the Welsh language in shaping our culture and national identity. As part of our work in increasing the use of Welsh in the childcare and play sector, we have collaborated with CWLWM to develop The Welsh Promise, a key initiative designed to support the Out of School Childcare sector in promoting the Welsh language. The Welsh Promise was created to help childcare and play settings build their confidence in delivering the Welsh language “Active Offer.” We understand that starting on this journey can feel daunting for many providers, which is why we have developed a structured and supportive approach. The Welsh Promise guides settings through a journey that begins with small, manageable steps and builds towards full engagement with the Active Offer. The journey is divided into three stages: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each stage reflects increasing levels of Welsh language use and promotion within the setting. As settings move from Bronze to Gold, they actively demonstrate their commitment to promoting the Welsh language and creating a bilingual environment for children and families. You can read case studies here: https://www.clybiauplantcymru.org/blog/projects/clubs-welsh-promise/ Enrolments/Achievements Since we launched the Welsh Promise the Out of School Childcare Clubs have: · 70 settings enrolled on Bronze, 31 achieved · 20 settings enrolled on Silver, 8 achieved · 17 settings enrolled on Gold, 3 achieved “The Welsh Promise has built our confidence, especially when we receive so much positive feedback and encouragement from our Childcare Business Development Officer. The Promise has also influenced us to use Welsh a lot more in our personal lives.” Two Tribes After School Club, Monmouthshire. Through this support, one childcare setting, has successfully transitioned to operating bilingually. This club, which provides wrap-around care, has become the first bilingual day nursery in its area, a significant achievement made possible through their participation in The Welsh Promise. Their commitment to Welsh language use not only enhances the service they provide but also sets a positive example for other settings across Wales. The Gold stage of the promise includes the possibility of providing the full Active Offer, with settings being eligible to apply for the Cynnig Cymraeg recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner. This step-by-step approach ensures that providers are supported throughout their journey, gradually embedding Welsh language practices into their everyday operations. “We are grateful of the Welsh Promise award coming to light, after a Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs staff came to us saying how much Welsh she had seen and heard on a visit. It gives us recognition and support to advance our Welsh we offer. We hope to be using basic Welsh, every day, and helping children be bilingual where they may not be able to at home.” Castle Day Nursery, Denbighshire Through The Welsh Promise, we are helping to create a strong foundation for Welsh language use across the childcare and play sector. By encouraging and supporting these settings to embrace the Welsh language, we not only contribute to the linguistic development of children but also to the wider goal of ensuring Welsh is a living, thriving language in all aspects of life in Wales.
Camau Mae Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs, mewn cydweithrediad â CWLWM, yn canolbwyntio ar ddatblygu sgiliau Cymraeg staff o fewn y sector Gofal Plant All-Ysgol. Mae CWLWM yn gonsortiwm o bum partner gofal plant a chwarae sy’n darparu gwasanaeth integredig dwyieithog i sicrhau’r canlyniadau gorau posibl i blant a theuluoedd ledled Cymru. Un fenter allweddol yn yr ymdrech hon yw darparu cyrsiau Camau—cyrsiau Cymraeg Gwaith pwrpasol wedi’u cynllunio’n benodol ar gyfer y sector blynyddoedd cynnar, gofal plant a chwarae. Mae’r cyrsiau hyn, sy’n cael eu darparu gan y Ganolfan Dysgu Cymraeg Genedlaethol, ar gael trwy ddulliau hunan-astudio ac yn cynnig cymorth cynhwysfawr ar lefelau Mynediad, Sylfaen a Chanolradd, gyda modiwlau dysgu 60 awr wedi’u teilwra i ddiwallu anghenion y sector, yn 2023-24 gwelwyd Mae 716 o ddysgwyr yn cychwyn ar gwrs Camau. Mae cyrsiau Camau yn ymdrin â phynciau hanfodol sy'n berthnasol i'r blynyddoedd cynnar, gofal plant a chwarae, gan ddarparu sgiliau iaith ymarferol y gall staff eu cymhwyso'n uniongyrchol yn eu lleoliadau. Er mwyn cefnogi ymarferwyr ymhellach, mae Cydlynwyr Iaith Gymraeg CWLWM yn hyrwyddo ac yn arwain ymarferwyr gofal plant a chwarae trwy’r cyrsiau hyn, gan sicrhau bod ganddynt yr offer a’r hyder i ddefnyddio ac ymgorffori’r Gymraeg yn fwy effeithiol yn eu rhyngweithio dyddiol. Trwy wella sgiliau Cymraeg staff ar draws y sector gofal plant a chwarae, rydym yn helpu i greu amgylcheddau lle mae’r iaith yn rhan naturiol o ymarfer bob dydd, gan gyfrannu at ddatblygiad proffesiynol ymarferwyr a datblygiad ieithyddol y plant y maent yn gofalu amdanynt. .	Camau Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs, in collaboration with CWLWM, is focused on developing the Welsh language skills of staff within the Out of School Childcare sector. CWLWM is a consortium of five childcare and play partners delivering a bilingual, integrated service to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families across Wales. One key initiative in this effort is the delivery of Camau courses—bespoke Work Welsh courses designed specifically for the early years, childcare and play sector. Delivered by the National Centre for Learning Welsh, these courses are available through self-study methods and offer comprehensive support at Entry, Foundation, and Intermediate levels, with 60-hour learning modules tailored to meet the needs of the sector, 2023-24 saw 716 learners embark on a Camau course. The Camau courses cover essential subjects relevant to early years, childcare and play, providing practical language skills that staff can apply directly in their settings. To further support practitioners, CWLWM Welsh Language Coordinators actively promote and guide childcare and play practitioners through these courses, ensuring that they have the tools and confidence to use and embed Welsh more effectively in their daily interactions. By enhancing the Welsh language skills of staff across the childcare and play sector, we are helping to create environments where the language is a natural part of everyday practice, contributing to both the professional development of practitioners and the linguistic development of the children they care for.
I gloi, dylid cydnabod nad iaith addysg yn unig yw’r Gymraeg, mae’r Gymraeg yn iaith fyw a dylid cefnogi plant i ddefnyddio’r iaith y tu allan i’r ystafell ddosbarth yn y cymunedau y maent yn byw ynddynt. Bydd cyfleoedd i blant o oedran ysgol gorfodol ddefnyddio'r iaith y tu allan i amgylchedd ysgol yn bwydo i mewn i'r gymuned. Mae Clybiau y Tu Allan i Oriau Ysgol yn darparu cyfleoedd chwarae hwyliog sy’n atgyfnerthu pwysigrwydd chwarae fel hawl sylfaenol i bob plentyn. Mae Clybiau Gofal Plant y Tu Allan i Oriau Ysgol yn cyrraedd cynulleidfa eang, a fydd yn gallu rhannu neges Cymraeg 2050 gyda theuluoedd, gweithwyr chwarae, a’r gymuned ehangach. Mae chwarae, sef diwylliant plentyndod, yn gweithredu fel iaith gyffredinol sy’n uno plant o gefndiroedd ac anghenion amrywiol. Mae’r synergedd rhwng chwarae, dysgu a nod Cymraeg 2050 a Bil y Gymraeg ac Addysg (Cymru) yn amlygu pwysigrwydd chwarae mewn datblygiad diwylliannol ac ieithyddol. Gobeithiwn fod y dystiolaeth yn y papur hwn yn amlygu’r gwaith hanfodol y gall y sector gofal plant a Gwaith Chwarae ei wneud i gefnogi amcanion Bil y Gymraeg ac Addysg (Cymru) i sicrhau bod y plant yn ddefnyddwyr annibynnol o’r Gymraeg. Mae Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs yn ymroddedig i gyfrannu at y nodau hyn trwy eiriol dros chwarae a Gofal Plant All-Ysgol a  chynorthwyo’n weithredol i warchod yr iaith Gymraeg a’i diwylliant ar gyfer cenedlaethau’r dyfodol.	In conclusion it should be recognised that Welsh is not just a language for education, Welsh is a living language and children should be supported to use the language outside of the classroom in the communities where they live. Opportunities for children of compulsory school age to use the language outside a school environment will feed into the community. Out of School Clubs provides fun play opportunities reinforcing the importance of play as a fundamental right for all children. Out of School Childcare Clubs reach a wide audience, that will be able to share the Cymraeg 2050 message with families, playworkers, and the broader community. Play, being the culture of childhood, acts as a universal language that unites children from diverse backgrounds and needs. The synergy between play, learning and the Cymraeg 2050 goal and the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill highlights the importance of play in cultural and linguistic development. We hope that the evidence in this paper highlights the vital work that the childcare and Playwork sector can bring to supporting the objectives of the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill in ensuring children are independent Welsh language users. Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs is dedicated to contributing to these goals through advocating play and Out of School Childcare  and to actively assist in the preservation of the Welsh language and culture for future generations.