The Welsh Government has announced it will increase its funding for Mudiad Meithrin to push the importance of the Welsh language even further.

Parent and toddler groups like Cylch Ti a Fi are also set to benefit from the extra funding, as well as the Cam wrth Gam programme, which provides childcare courses for year 10–13 pupils in secondary schools.

COVID-19 restrictions mean groups have not been able to meet in person and it's hoped the funding will help support the groups to learn together once again.

Jerremy Miles, minister for Education and Welsh Language, said: "This announcement will give families more opportunities to benefit from the fantastic work of Mudiad Meithrin," said Jeremy.

"Cylch Ti a Fi groups are a great way to use more Welsh at home, even if it's only a few words. Welsh belongs to us all, no matter our ability.

"Groups like Cylch Ti a Fi are crucial to parent and child wellbeing. I'm delighted to see them restart as COVID-19 restrictions ease."

Sarah Clanfield, 47, manager of the Cylch Meithrin y Bont-faen nursery school in Cowbridge, welcomes the extra funding to support the Welsh language: "It's absolutely fantastic! To promote the Welsh language in anyway is a wonderful thing.

"Here in Cowbridge, I believe we're one of the only Welsh nurseries that feeds up to the Welsh primary school, so it's lovely to know that we've got that money coming in."

Mudiad Meithrin is a voluntary organisation founded in 1971 and provides children from birth to school age with Welsh-medium play and other learning experiences.

The funding is in addition to more than £3 million the Welsh Government currently gives to Mudiad Meithrin to lead the expansion of Welsh-medium childcare provision across the country.