KNIGHTON and Presteigne Health Visiting Team are working in conjunction with the Mid-Wales Welsh for Adults Centre to deliver a course called ‘Welsh from the cradle’. The 10-week course is for local parents to learn the essentials of the Welsh language to use with their babies and toddlers. It came about as a direct response from the interest of parents.

This course, tutored by Ellen Greason-Walker, provides a great opportunity for new parents to give their child a head-start in life by introducing them to the Welsh language at an early age. The course includes essential phrases for parents such as, ‘Ty’d I newid dy glwt’ ('Come and have your nappy changed'); useful vocabulary such as words for clothes, toys, parts of the body; and Welsh storytelling practice as well as songs.

By taking part in this course, parents are laying firm foundations for their children to become bilingual and really give them a head-start in learning to read and count. It also provides a great place for new parents to meet others. Longer term, it can help children improve their communication skills and make learning other languages easier.

Lynsey Price, NNEB for Knighton and Presteigne Health Visitors said "It’s great to see parents taking on board and championing the benefits of being bilingual and hopefully giving their children greater opportunities when they start school."