A PLAYGROUP that gives children the chance to learn Welsh from an early age is set to open near Corwen.

Mudiad Meithrin, the Welsh language early years specialists, wants to establish a nursery and parent and toddler group in every part of Wales. Its aim is to increase the number of Welsh speaking children in the country.

The voluntary organisation has now set up at Gwyddelwern Village Hall as part of its plan, ‘Set Up and Succeed’, to establish 40 new sites by 2021.

Susan James, from Gwyddelwern, has been appointed as the playgroup leader with more than 40 years of experience in early years settings. She recently completed her level three diploma in children’s care, learning and development.

“I have been very fortunate to work with children in the early years for many years,” Ms James said. “The Cylch will offer Welsh-medium care and education to children between two-years-old and school age.

“It will be a valuable service for parents in an area that has already been so supportive.”

The Welsh Government launched its ‘Cymraeg 2050’ plan in 2017 with the aim of having a million Welsh speakers in Wales by the half-century mark. It sees the expansion of Welsh-medium early years provision which can enable a seamless transition into Welsh-medium school education as an important objective.

Leanne Marsh, Mudiad Meithrin’s acting chief executive, said: “Our ambition is to enable every child to take advantage of Welsh-medium early years education and childcare services. There are a number of geographical gaps across Wales, so the ‘Cymraeg 2050’ vision enables Mudiad Meithrin, along with communities, to work towards meeting the need and creating the demand.”

Cylch Meithrin in Gwyddelwern will start on Wednesday, July 3 at 10.30am. From then, it will be open from 9am until 11.45am from Monday to Friday during term time.