The minister visited Llandogo Early Years day nursery in Monmouthshire where he met with staff who have worked with the Welsh Government to develop a curriculum specifically for non-maintained settings.
The curriculum for funded non-maintained nurseries was published earlier this year. It was developed to support the roll-out of the new Curriculum for Wales, which starts in September, and ensure children who receive early education in a non-maintained setting are given the best possible start on their learning journey.
The curriculum has been co-constructed with contribution from early years practitioners and leaders, drawing on the experience of the sector, as well as the views of experts in child development and early education.
Training on the national curriculum has been delivered, and resources to support its implementation are now being rolled out, with modules including outdoor learning, play and play-based learning and child development. Further resources will be published in June.
The minister for education and Welsh language, Jeremy Miles, said, ‘It has been a privilege to visit Llandogo Early Years nursery and to see the excellent work they are doing to support our youngest learners.
‘Many children begin their learning journey in a non-maintained setting. Having access to high-quality early education provision is essential to children’s educational and social development, and our new curriculum for funded non-maintained nursery settings will ensure there is consistent delivery of this provision across Wales.
‘As we move towards roll out of the new Curriculum for Wales for those aged 3-16, early years settings will play a key role. That’s why it has been important for those working in non-maintained settings to be involved in the development of a curriculum specific to them. I’m grateful to all those nursery settings who have been involved in the development of this curriculum, and who continue to work with us as we develop assessment arrangements for the sector.’
