Academi Prospectus Mudiad Meithrin - Autumn 2020

Charity Number:1022320

Autumn and Winter 2020 Prospectus #training #MeithrinMiliwn #AcademiAdref

Foreword Welcome to Academi’s 2020-21 prospectus These last few months have been very challenging, requiring everyone and everything to change, adapt and learn new ways of doing things.

Contents:

Academi has been no exception! Since Covid-19 forced us to postpone arrangements for face to face training, Academi has adapted by offering its provision online – whether through webinars and digital surgeries or by creating learning resources that you can read and use in your own time. We hope that what we’ve provided between April and July has been of benefit to you.

Online courses page 3

This prospectus covers the autumn and winter terms and continues with the intention of supporting you as you provide care and education services to the young children of Wales within your settings.

This year, again, we have provided a wide choice of new learning materials which will contribute to your continuous professional development, whether you are a paid member of staff or a voluntary member of a committee. The courses have also been designed to help you create complete learning experiences for the children at your settings in order to support their development.

This year we are focusing on issues and challenges that may have arisen during the pandemic period, such as Trauma and Supporting Vulnerable Adults.

We will be looking at the basic principles of the Foundation Phase, as well as publishing a new resource, ‘Dewch i Ddathlu’. During term time there will be an opportunity to listen to a talk with our Chief Executive, and to learn more about Gwenllian Lansdown Davies’s work and her personal life – and how she suggests maintaining a balance between the two!

Throughout the year we will continue to add dates for new learning events and training sessions to the programme, and we hope that it will be possible to welcome everybody to face to face workshops in the near future.

We are also taking this opportunity to look back at some of the most popular courses from the previous year. It’s great to see what you’ve done after attending one of our courses, so if you have any photos of changes that you’ve introduced at your Cylch or Nursery, please send them over and we can share your ideas with everybody else.

We look forward to another busy year. Thank you all for your support.

Helen Williams – Head of Training, Learning and Development Ffion Davies – Academi Lead Officer

www.meithrin.cymru/academi

Upcoming Courses

page 9

Resources to assist Cylchoedd Meithrin and Day Nurseries with reopening

page 10

Adult Protection Training

page 13

Meet the Trainer

page 14

Gwenllian Lansdown Davies talks with Mari Lovgreen

page 15

Highlights of the past year

page 16

Croesi’r Bont

page 19

Intranet Resources page 20

C Certificate provided on completion of the course.

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Online Courses With a click of a button, you can now follow academi’s online courses wherever you are, at any time that’s convenient to you.

These courses are easy to follow, free of charge and you can return time after time.

Introduction to the Foundation Phase The aim of this course is to offer a general introduction to the main elements of the Foundation Phase.

Suitable for: Cylchoedd Meithrin and Day Nursery staff and committee members.

This course will be useful to you, whether you have just started working in early years or wish to refresh your knowledge of the Foundation Phase’s main features.

The Foundation Phase is the educational curriculum for children in Wales aged 3-7. This course will help you to understand the ethos and principles of the Foundation Phase, as well as how to adapt the learning areas at your setting in order to support children’s learning. In addition, there will be a discussion regarding continuous provision and the importance of continually adding to it.

To accompany the presentation there will be a video clip giving an example of learning areas and resources at the Academi Cylch Meithrin. Reference will also be made to the skills the children are likely to develop when engaging with the continuous provision.

Introduction to the Foundation Phase Following this course you will:

Understand the main features of the Foundation Phase;

Understand how to plan the continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors;

Be ready to take another look at your setting, considering how you can further develop your provision.

To access this course, go to

academi’s section on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet.

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Online Courses Presentation on the background and basic principles of Curriculum for Wales 2022 Suitable for: staff working in Cylchoedd Meithrin and Day Nurseries.

After completing the course, you will have a better understanding of: It is a very exciting time in the history of education in Wales with preparations continuing for Curriculum for Wales 2022. Would you like to know more about the background and context of this reform? Are you keen to equip yourself with knowledge and understanding of the new curriculum’s basic principles?

This presentation will offer a clear overview of the main features of Curriculum for Wales 2022.

During the course you will have the opportunity to: l Reflect on, and share your current good practice in the context of the 4 purposes and 12 pedagogical principles; l Consider the implications of the new curriculum for the non-maintained sector; l Receive up-to-date information on next steps for the non-maintained sector as part of the curriculum reform process; l Ask questions and discuss concerns.

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The background and context

for Curriculum for Wales 2022;

The links between the principles

of the foundation phase and the principles of a Curriculum for Wales 2022;

The 4 purposes and the 12

pedagogical principles and how they underpin the new curriculum.

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You will also have the confidence to link some of your current good practices with the expectations of the new curriculum.

To access this course, go to

academi’s section on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet.

Online Courses Mental and emotional health and well-being during the COVID-19 period

Aimed at: all Mudiad Meithrin staff, Cylchoedd Meithrin and Ti a Fi staff, Day Nurseries.

Mudiad Meithrin wishes to offer support to enable you to look after your health and your mental and emotional wellbeing during the COVID 19 period.

This presentation will offer advice on how to plan to protect your health and wellbeing and will touch on issues such as: home working practices, children’s mental and emotional well-being, and sources of help.

After completing the course, you will: l understand the importance of self-care during

After completing the course, you will:

understand the importance of self -care during the COVID-19 period;

be aware of the different sources of help available to support you.

the COVID-19 period; l be aware of the different sources of help

available to support you.

To access this course, go to

academi’s section on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet.

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Online Courses

What is the Dull Trochi?

Suitable for: staff working in Cylchoedd Meithrin, Ti a Fi and Day Nurseries.

What is the ‘dull trochi’?

Why should everyone associated with the Mudiad Meithrin be aware of it?

This course will introduce you to the main principles of the ‘dull trochi’ – the immersion method – an effective method of introducing the Welsh language to young children.

During the course, you will: l Learn about the key steps that children take when developing their grasp of a language that’s different from that spoken at home; l See examples of staff demonstrating how to implement the ‘dull trochi’ in different contexts; l Receive advice on how to plan exciting activities that can be used in order to support the children’s linguistic development; l Receive advice on how to support parents in their efforts to introduce Welsh at home.

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Dull Trochi After the course, you will:

Understand what are the main

principles underpinning the ‘dull trochi’ and also how they relate to your day to day work;

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Understand how to implement the ‘dull trochi’ effectively in your setting.

To access this course, go to

academi’s section on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet.

Online Courses From a cupboard to a Cylch

Suitable for: staff working in Cylchoedd Meithrin and Day Nurseries.

Do you hold the Cylch Meithrin in a village hall or chapel vestry?

Do you have to tidy up and empty the location after every session?

These are daily challenges faced by a number of Cylchoedd Meithrin.

During the course you will: l Watch a short video that demonstrates how staff in one Cylch Meithrin are able to transform an old Scouts hall into an exciting learning environment for the young children; l Encounter examples of good practice on how to make the best use of space; l Gain ideas on how to plan specific learning areas; l Develop a better understanding of how to achieve one of the key objectives of the Foundation Phase - the provision of safe learning environment in which children can learn through play.

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From a cupboard to a Cylch After the course, you will:

Understand what types of resources need to be available as part of the Cylch’s continuous provision;

Understand the importance

of sharing responsibilities for the various learning areas.

To access this course, go to

academi’s section on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet.

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Online Courses Cynllun Iaith Sylfaenol (Basic Language Scheme)

Suitable for: staff working in Cylchoedd Meithrin, Ti a Fi and Day Nurseries.

It’s important that every member of staff in a Cylch Meithrin or in a Day Nursery is able to use Welsh in all aspects of their work with the children that attend the setting.

The aim of the Cynllun Iaith Sylfaenol (Basic Language Scheme) is to help staff gain confidence in using Welsh at the setting.

During the course, you will: l Hear and learn useful vocabulary, sayings and songs for a substantial number of daily activities which are on offer at the Cylch; l Develop confidence as you use key phrases as part of daily activities.

Once you are confident, you will have the opportunity to register for an assessment to achieve the certificate which links with the course.

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Cynllun Iaith Sylfaenol After the course, you will:

Have the confidence to lead

day-to-day activties at your setting;

Have the ability to support the

children’s linguistic development.

To access this course, go to

academi’s section on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet.

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Upcoming courses…

During the next few months, we will introduce additional new courses.

Here is a preview of what we are planning.

What is Trauma for young children?

This resource will provide guidelines and online training that will: • Explain what trauma is for young children?

• Discuss how trauma effects children’s behaviour and what type of behaviour is likely to appear?

• Consider what the setting can do to support each child?

• Explain how the setting can identify the children who need further support from professional organisations?

A Cylch for Everyone This online presentation will: • Discuss what does it mean to be an inclusive setting and how do we put this important principle into practice?

• Offer practical ideas on how to ensure that our settings provide an environment that motivates children to accept and appreciate each other.

• Discuss why it is necessary for a location to be inclusive.

Let’s celebrate This online presentation will: • Provide an overview of key celebratory occasions for various religious traditions, including Judaism, Islam and Sikhism.

• Discuss the background and the main characteristics of these religious traditions.

• Share images that show how different religions celebrate special occasions by singing, dancing, giving gifts, creating decorations and preparing tasty food.

• Share resources, information and activity ideas suitable for your children, practitioners and parents.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle A training sessio n for staff and voluntee rs on how to become more a sustainable Early Years setting. Th e training will cover issues such as waste, re cycling, energy and water conservation, tra velling, and how to make the most of outdoor ar eas. The training will be pr ovided by Sbardu no on behalf of Atebol.

Remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive the latest information about our new courses.

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AcademiMudiadMeithrin / @MudiadMeithrin

– Mudiad Meithrin’s guide to hygiene This resource includes:

NEW O RESO NLINE UR for ou CE mem r bers!

•

A presentation on hygiene and guidance for Cylchoedd Meithrin re-opening following a period of closure due to COVID-19;

•

A video of a song on the theme of ‘washing hands’ that can be sang at the setting,

•

Ideas and activities for the children.

Also, a collection of useful posters and resources that can be printed and used at the setting.

Available free of charge to our members, on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet, under Coronavirus’ section.

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#AcademiAdref

NEW ONLINE RESOURCE FOR OUR MEMBERS!

A presentation on Risk Assessment This useful resource has been created to help you carry out a risk assessment for your setting.

After reading this presentation, you will:

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• Understand

the importance of assessing risks;

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• Be able to identify the different types of risk at your setting;

• Be more confident when completing risk assessment forms;

• Know about resources that are available to help you during the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Understand how to

undertake a risk assessment and how to minimise risk;

Available free of charge to our members, on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet, in the Coronavirus section.

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Surgeries – here for you Are you a Cylch Meithrin leader or a committee member?

Do you want advice on specific issues?

During these online surgeries, you will have an opportunity to seek advice from our specialist teams.

Surgery

Human Resources Issues 28.09.2020

The sessions will take place online by using MS Teams.

You will need to book a specific time slot in order to be able to take part in the sessions.

10am-6pm An opportunity to ask for advice regarding any staffing issues.

Surgery

Finance Issues 27.08.2020 9am-6pm

01.09.2020 9am-6pm An opportunity to ask for advice on financial issues.

To book your slot, visit: www.meithrin.cymru/surgeries 12

#AcademiAdref

Adult Safeguarding Training Suitable for: Mudiad Meithrin Staff, Cylchoedd Meithrin and Day Nursery Staff, Ti a Fi Officers, committee members and volunteers This training has been arranged to accompany Mudiad Meithrin’s new Safeguarding Adults Policy Pack. The course will be held online via Zoom.

Under the guidance of Paul Jones, the training will offer an overview of issues including: safeguarding, types of abuse, facing risk, modern slavery, the PREVENT duty, and mental health and well-being. There will be an opportunity to discuss examples of real situations.

Aims and objectives At the end of this course you will …

• understand the new procedures of the Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales) 2014; • identify different types of abuse and signs of abuse; • understand more about modern slavery, the PREVENT duty, as well as mental health and well-being;

• be confident in your ability to record and refer where appropriate, and make use of Mudiad Meithrin’s Safeguarding Policy; • know when to refer a vulnerable adult without their permission.

Sessions Timetable The training will be conducted over ZOOM, with each session divided into two parts 2 hours in length, which will be held on different days. There will be a short piece of homework to complete before both the first and second parts of the course.

Upon registration you will be asked to choose which of the sessions below you would like to attend.

SESSION 1 • Part 1: 10-12am, • Part 2: 1-3pm,

SESSION 5 Tuesday 22/09/2020 Tuesday 29/09/2020

• Part 1: 10-12am • Part 2: 1-3pm

Monday 05/10/2020 Wednesday 14/10/2020

SESSION 2

SESSION 6

• Part 1: 1-3pm, Tuesday 22/09/2020 • Part 2: 10-12am, Tuesday 29/09/2020

• Part 1: 1-3pm Monday 05/10/2020 • Part 2: 10-12am Wednesday 14/10/2020

SESSION 3

SESSION 7

• Part 1: 10-12am, • Part 2: 1-3pm,

Wednesday 23/09/2020 Wednesday 30/9/2020

• Part 1: 10-12am • Part 2: 1-3pm

Thursday 08/10/2020 Thursday 22/10/2020

SESSION 4 • Part 1: 1-3pm, Wednesday 23/09/2020 • Part 2: 10-12am, Wednesday 30/09/2020 We can offer simultaneous interpretation for this session. Please note when registering whether you will need a translator.

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*NOTE* Upon registering for the first part of one of these sessions you will also register for the second part.

Limited number of places available for each session.

Meet the Trainer We would like to introduce Paul Jones, who will be running our training sessions on adult safeguarding in September.

Paul works as an independent social worker and has been a registered social worker since 2005. He is registered with Social Care Wales and also the British Society of Social Workers.

He has extensive experience in the field of social services, encompassing a wide range of situations, such as statutory, voluntary and educational services.

During his time with the Department of Social Services, Paul participated in the needs assessment of children, young people and their families with cases of complex disabilities or child protection cases. With this background and experience, he has the ability as a trainer to discuss and handle difficult social care issues with confidence.

In addition to running training sessions, Paul currently works three days a week at Ysgol David Hughes, Menai Bridge. There, he offers one to one sessions supporting young people who are dealing with difficult issues such as abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.

Paul is also an experienced trainer on the Caring Dads programme, which works in partnership with Gorwel/Grŵp Cynefin. The purpose of this programme is to assist men to identify the sort of values and behaviours which will support either a healthy or unhealthy child-father relationship.

Paul is looking forward to sharing his expertise on adult safeguarding in September.

Hyfforddia

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– Trais yn erb Camdrinia yn Menywod, eth Dome stig a Thrais R hywiol Mae’r hyffo rddiant we di gwybodae th a dealltw ei gynllunio er mwyn riaeth yngly gwella domestig, ^n â ac Menywod, sydd yn unol â pholis chamdriniaeth Camdriniae i Polisi Trais th Weithwyr) yn Mudiad Me Domestig a Thrais Rh erbyn ithrin. ywiol (i Darperir yr hyfforddian t Mae Paul Jones yn We hwn gan Paul Jones . ithiwr Cymd mae wedi bod yn we ithiwr cymde eithasol Annibynno l ac ithasol cofres Mae Paul tredig ers 20 wedi ei go 05. frestru efo ac hefyd Cy Gofal Cymd mdeithas eithasol Cy Brydeinig mru Gweithiwr Mae gan Pa Cymdeitha ul brofiad o so l. gwasanae weithio o few thau cymde n cefndiroed ithasol am cymdeitha d rywiol, me sol statudol, gis gwaith cymdeitha adrannau sau gwirfo addysg. ddol ac

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Prif Swyddfa Mudiad Meithrin, Ab erystwyth 10.30-15.30 yp I gofrestru,

ffion.davies

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@meithrin.

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Paul Jon

es Deillianna u Dysgu –

• Deall be th • Adnabo yw camdriniaeth dd om d yr arwydd ion a symp estig; camdriniae tomau • Ymwyby th domestig; ddiaeth o’r ddeddfwria - Deddf Tra eth is yn erbyn Menywod, Domestig a Thrais Rh Cam-drin; • Sut i dd ywiol (Cymr elio â datga u) 2015; niadau o • Yr effait gamdriniae h mae camd th; riniaeth dd yn ei gael omestig ar blant.

Yn sgil nat ur sensitif y pyncia mynychu fod mewn iechyd u a drafodir yn ystod cyfoethogi’r yr hyffordd da a medd profiad o fyn iant hwn aw u ar lefel brio ychu’r hyffor grymir y dyl hwn yw eic dol o les ddiant dyl ai’r sawl sy’n h cynorthw ai’r sawl sy’n . Tra bod rhannu pro yo i ddarp fiadau yn aru cefnog cyfranogi medru nodi mai am aet h i era Nodir hyn can yr hyffor er sicrwydd ill ac nid darparu ses ddiant iwn therap pob cyfran i personol. ogwr.

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Leadership during unprecedented times

In Conversation with Gwenllian Join us as Mari Løvgreen chats with Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, Mudiad Meithrin’s Chief Executive about her work of leading the Mudiad during the challenging and unprecedented times faced during the Covid-19 epidemic.

Gwenllian will share her experiences in leadership offering inspiring tips and insights for other leaders.

We will also dip into her personal life,

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learning how she manages to keep a balance between her professional life and her busy home life with her 4 children and husband on the farm.

This opportunity to listen and learn from one of Wales’ most prominent women is not to be missed!

Available soon on Mudiad Meithrin’s intranet.

Highlights of the past year Over the past year academi has held a wide range of useful courses for our members, and all for free!

The feedback we’ve received has been very positive, with the vast majority of you emphasising how beneficial the training has been to your continual professional development, but also in helping you to discover new ideas that you can use at your settings.

Two courses which proved especially popular last year were Dotio ar Dewin a Doti, led

by Leisa Mererid, and the Sbarduno course, led by Awen Ashworth.

Here are the impressions of some members that attended these sessions:

was “Leisa t, a grea iastic enthus .” trainer

“A thoroughly interesting course. Lots of good ideas for using Dewin and Doti in the Cylch.”

en g has be in th y r e v “E , e course great! Th ment w equip e n g in tt ge tions on s instruc as well a I can e it, that s u to w ho ylch.” k to the C take bac

“Lots of great ideas to use at the Cylc h.”

“A fun and hands-on course. Really enjoyed it!”

Awen Ashworth and Leisa Mererid will be back with new courses in 2021. More details to follow shortly!

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“Thank you very much – a great course. Awen was great and gave us many ideas that we can use at the Cylch.”

“Looking forward to using what I learnt this evening and pass ing it on to the children. ”

Highlights of the past year

g n i c u d o r t In n i k r o w d Woo n o i t a d n u o the F e s r u o C e s a Ph What did you enjoy about Pete Moorhouse’s course?

“Pete Moorhouse’s enthusiasm towards his subject is infectious. It was a privilege to be in his company and to listen to him explaining the importance of introducing woodwork to small children. There were plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and to watch Pete explain the many different skills a child could develop when doing woodwork.”

Helen Greenwood, leader of Ysgol Feithrin Pontyp[l

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One of the highlights of the past year was the course led Peter Moorhouse of Irresistible Learning.

Pete offered fascinating sessions which discussed how to safely introduce woodwork to young children, as well as the educational advantages of working with wood.

Here’s a snapshot of how some members that attended the course have put their new ideas into practice at their settings.

How did you create a woodworking area at your setting? Were there any challenges or lessons learnt?

“Firstly, we gathered different materials from our homes, such as lids and old buttons, which the children could use to decorate and nail into the wood. We asked local crafters and parents whether they had any soft wood offcuts we could use. The response was great. We then bought a gate from a Facebook page, and received a grant from Spar Tremadog to purchase a wooden table. The biggest challenge was the flooring. The carpet made it too difficult for the children to sweep the sawdust up, so we put down soft rubber flooring instead.

This flooring works especially well.”

Sian Elen Owen, leader of Cylch Meithrin Y Gorlan Fach

Highlights of the past year

Introducing n i k r o w d o o W n o i t a d n u o F the e s r u o C e s a Ph

What benefits do the children gain from handling the equipment and experimenting with wood?

“Both the boys and girls enjoy using the tools in the woodworking area. It gives children an opportunity, especially if they are usually lively and full of energy, to slow down and learn to concentrate on specific tasks.

We hear a lot of mathematical language being used by the children, e.g. big, small, smooth, cut, half etc.

The children are aware of the dangers of using the equipment, they show respect when taking part in an activity and tell each other to be careful. It’s a great activity for developing their fine motor skills.”

Angharad Evans, leader of three year olds’ room, Cylch Meithrin Y Drenewydd

What feedback have you received from parents after introducing woodwork to the children?

“The parents have been supportive and happy that their children have the opportunity to do woodwork and experiment with something new.

They also enjoy seeing pictures of the children using the equipment to create striking things out of wood! They also like that the children are able to take the finished product home with them.”

Lauren Surgey, leader of three year olds’ room, Meithrinfa Ddydd Camau Bach

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Croesi’r Bont A scheme to help children ‘Cross the Linguistic Bridge’ from the Cylch Meithrin to school.

Croesi’r Bont (Crossing the bridge) is an exciting scheme that offers a framework for introducing Welsh language immersion within Cylchoedd Meithrin and for increasing language transmission with Welsh medium nursery classes across Wales.

There are 3 elements to the scheme:-

A pack of language patterns following the Cylch’s daily routine and within the Play Areas, introduced during regular visits by a Croesi’r Bont officer.

The Chwarae’n Hapus book and a CD of songs introducing the language patterns;

Contact your Mudiad Meithrin Support Officer for more information, or email post@meithrin.cymru 19

A scheme to assess the children’s language development.

Intranet Resources

Free resou rces

!

Please visit the academi section on the intranet.

Go to:

intranet.meithrin.co.uk/user-login NEW! - Little Purple Book on the Cylch Outdoors.

Given that the Welsh Government continues to stress the need to ensure that children spend time playing outdoors, a Little Purple Book focusing on this very theme has been produced.

To download this booklet, as well the other Little Purple Books in the series, go to our intranet and look for the ‘Little Purple Book’ section.

For ideas about outdoor activities and much more, remember to visit academi’s section on the intranet.

In this section, there are activity handouts on a variety of themes.

You can download: l

A handout on how to introduce ‘Den Building’ at your setting;

l

A handout on how to build your own ‘Mud Kitchen’ at your setting;

l

A handout on messy play (Miri Mawr);

l

A handout on the importance of introducing ‘Cooking in the Early Years’ in your setting.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest additions to this section.

AcademiMudiadMeithrin

@MudiadMeithrin

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