The effect of leadership on provision for children

Cylch Meithrin Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant is a Welsh medium setting providing early years education and childcare hours for 3 and 4yr olds. It is situated in the small village of Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant at Ysgol Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant School. The setting is a registered charity and is managed by a voluntary management committee and has two practitioners. The setting welcomes children from all backgrounds with the majority of children coming from English speaking homes, so promoting the Welsh language is very important to the setting. 

The setting’s vision is: “A safe, happy Cylch where children can develop their independence, confidence & relationships through fun, positive experiences”. 

The setting understands the importance of having a strong Leadership and Management team, that work closely with Mudiad Meithrin, Powys Early Years team, the local school and community. 

The current committee have been in their roles for 2 years, they all work together and share a clear vision with the staff for maintaining a high-quality provision for the children. All members clearly understand their role within the committee and all have a specific area of responsibilities. 

The management committee and staff hold regular meetings, these include a set agenda which always include a leader’s report, treasurers report and any Child Protection matters/ Incidents and Accidents, minutes of the meeting are recorded and actions are agreed and shared with all Committee members and Staff. 

Staff appraisals are completed annually, and supervisions termly to ensure the staff are well supported in their role and feel valued. Any training and personal developments are discussed and decided on based on how they will benefit the wellbeing and learning of the staff as well as the children in their care. Achievable targets are then set within a scheduled timeline and progress is monitored regularly.  

The setting understands the importance of annual self-evaluations and development plans, taking into account parents’ views, children’s views and staff views – focusing on what the setting does well, before identifying areas to develop, ensuring it is a current reflection of the setting.  The development plan is continual and all targets are monitored by the management committee and discussed regularly in meetings. 

Members of the management committee also take turns to visit the setting to check in with the staff, take a look around and discuss which areas need improving, and celebrate which areas work well. e.g. The Chairperson and staff had identified that the setting’s outdoor area needed improvements, the Chairperson feedbacks information where all committee members discuss ideas, budget and timeframe to create a welcoming environment offering positive experiences and improved outcomes for all the children. As a result, the management committee are involved and fully informed about the progress towards improving the outdoor environment. 

The staff communicate regularly with the school to ensure measures are in place for a seamless transition for all children. For example, regular meetings with school staff, school staff visit the setting often, and children take part in activities alongside the school. As a result, children enter into the school happily, and are familiar with the school setting and staff. 

The management committee and practitioners are passionate about their roles and the children’s well-being is important to them. Being a part of the local community is central to the setting and the staff ensure that the children have a strong sense of belonging to their local Welsh community. For example, the setting and management committee hosted a ‘Rhywbeth Neis Neis i de’ event selling cakes, tea and coffee, inviting all members of the community to join in. As well as regular visits to the local shops, café and church. 

As a result, the setting provides a high-quality provision for all children from all backgrounds, providing a service where children feel welcomed into the setting and are valued and happy and develop their skills successfully. 

Staff feel well supported and work effectively well as a team alongside the management committee. 

All children transition well into the school. 

The children have a strong sense of belonging and their awareness of the local community is very good. 

Good Practice has been shared in Mudiad Meithrin county meetings. 

The Local Authority often share the settings good practice on their social media page, as well as sharing effective use of the Early Years Development Grant on their guidance information packs. 

Good Practice is shared with Parents via social media, newsletters and open mornings. 

Good practice is shared with members of the community via social media and open mornings.