Conwy Pre-School Support; Part Time Support Worker, Rural Conwy and ICT Update

The Project would pilot a new way of delivering support to children with additional needs and their families to access early years education and childcare provision in a local setting of their choice in the rural areas. 

The Conwy Pre-school Support Scheme would employ a bi-lingual Support Worker; who would deliver to the -

• Child – additional support hours, equipment and resources
• Family – advice guidance and support in the language of their choice
• Setting – advice, guidance, re-assurance and support, access to training, skills and knowledge

The project would also support the Welsh Government vision to have a Million Welsh Speakers by 2050. Communication is key to Early Years education and it is imperative that settings are able to meet the needs of the children in their care in the language of their choice and of their local community and family.  Children have a right to express their views and influence the things that affect them using their preferred language. The communication skills that a child learns early in life will be the foundation for his or her communication abilities for the future. Strong language skills are an asset that will promote a lifetime of effective communication. Employing a bilingual support worker is key to supporting the development of this effective communication for children who are experiencing difficulties in this area.

The Project would also be effective in delivering Early Intervention/ Prevention.  Early Intervention is key for children who are discovered at a young age to have special educational needs which may affect their development. One aspect of Early Intervention may be the use of one-on-one support to work closely with Child, their families and any professionals involved in their care to ensure the holistic assessment and consistent implementation of any specific plans or strategies and techniques.   Early intervention allows some children to catch up with their peers and others to receive the support that they need as early as possible in order to avoid frustration and long term difficulties.