FAQs

Key Questions

How long is the programme?

It is 12‑week full‑immersion Welsh language programme.
Children attend 5 days a week.
It includes transition days back in the child’s host school to support a smooth return.

2. How will my child get to Carreg Lam?

Carreg Lam is based on the site of Ysgol Panteg.
Children from Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw and Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran are provided with free return transport from their school. Children arrive back at their school before the end of the school day, ready for collection, any onward transport, or extra‑curricular activities.
Children who attend Ysgol Panteg arrive in the usual way and go straight to Carreg Lam.

3. What time does the day start and finish?

For children attending Ysgol Panteg:

Carreg Lam starts the same time as the normal school day
Children finish at 14:45.
They then return to their class to spend time with peers, ready for collection, any onward transport, or extra‑curricular activities.

For children attending Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw and Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran:

Carreg Lam starts the same time as the normal school day
Children leave Carreg Lam at 14:45.
They arrive back at their school before the end of the school day, ready for collection, any onward transport, or extra‑curricular activities.

4. How many children are in a class at Carreg Lam?

Carreg Lam caters for 12 children, creating a small, supportive learning environment where staff can stay closely connected to each pupil, remain on hand to support language acquisition, and provide the right help at the right time.

5. Which year does my child need to be in to to attend Carreg Lam?

Carreg Lam is for children in Years 2–6.

6. Do children wear school uniform?

Yes, children will wear their school uniform to Carreg Lam

7. Do they need to bring a packed lunch?

At Carreg Lam, school dinners are provided by Torfaen Catering and therefore children are offered the same meals as in all primary schools in Torfaen.
Children are also welcome to bring a packed lunch.
When we go on trips, we organise packed lunches where appropriate.

Questions about Learning & Progress

Will my child fall behind in their mainstream school?

Children do not fall behind. They arrive at class stronger, full of confidence and ready to learn. The 12‑week programme focuses on building the Welsh language skills they need to fully access learning when they return to their mainstream class.
We create a rich, supportive and varied learning environment where children develop confidence, independence, self‑esteem and positive relationships all of which strengthen their overall learning, not interrupt it.
We do not teach every Area of Learning and Experience explicitly; instead, we ensure children become linguistically ready to engage with the Curriculum for Wales when they transition back. This means they return better equipped, not behind.
Research shows that focused, immersive language learning over a short period is more effective than slower, spread‑out approaches. This is why our 12‑week model accelerates progress and helps children thrive when they return to their mainstream class.

2. How do you track progress?

We track progress every week by assessing children against key vocabulary in six different language categories. This helps us understand how confidently they can use new Welsh words and patterns.

Each vocabulary set is assessed using four clear stages:

Emerging — your child is beginning to use the language and may need support or prompting.
Developing — your child is becoming more confident and increasingly independent in using the language.
Secure — your child can use the language independently.
Embedded — your child can use the vocabulary confidently, without support, across a range of different contexts.

3. What level of Welsh will my child reach by the end?

The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international scale used to describe language ability. It has six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, ranging from beginner to advanced.
During the 12‑week programme, children work within the A1-A2 CEFR levels allowing them access to the curriculum in Welsh education on their return.
By the end of the programme, most children can understand and use everyday Welsh phrases and take part in simple conversations, giving them a strong foundation to continue developing their Welsh when they return to their mainstream school.

4. How will you help my child transition back to their school?

Mid‑programme and end‑of‑programme meetings take place between Carreg Lam staff and your child’s class teacher. This ensures everyone understands how your child is progressing and what support will help them when they return.
Teachers can look through your child’s books to see the language patterns they have been developing and how their Welsh skills are growing.
Schools receive a handbook of all language patterns taught during the 12‑week programme, along with assessment information showing how your child has progressed across the immersion period.
Both families and teaching staff receive an individualised report detailing your child’s linguistic attainment, along with strategies to support their continued language development once they are back in class.
After children leave Carreg Lam, staff provide peripatetic sessions over 12 weeks in the child’s mainstream school. These sessions support wellbeing, reinforce understanding, and continue to build their Welsh linguistic skills.

Questions about Wellbeing, Transition & Support

1. Will my child meet staff before attending?

Yes. Before the programme begins, staff arrange a meeting with your child either in their mainstream school or at Carreg Lam. This helps them get to know the team, feel comfortable with the setting, and begin building positive relationships ahead of their first day.

2. Can my child visit the site before attending?

Yes, we welcome the opportunity for you and your child to visit Carreg Lam before the programme begins. A visit helps children feel comfortable in the space, meet staff, and become familiar with the environment ahead of their first day.

3. Who can I contact if I have concerns?

Dr. Matthew Williamson-Dicken (Headteacher) – leads Carreg Lam and can help with any general questions or concerns.
Mrs Carys Soper (Leader of the Centre) – available to discuss your child’s learning, wellbeing and progress.
Miss Megan Stokes (Specialist Support Staff) – can help with practical queries about day‑to‑day arrangements.

4. How do you keep children safe?

Keeping your child safe is our highest priority, and it guides everything we do.
We follow strict safeguarding procedures in line with Welsh Government guidance.
All staff are trained and know how to respond to concerns.
Children learn in a supervised, supportive environment where wellbeing comes first.
We work in partnership with your child’s mainstream school.

5. How do you successfully support my child?

Supporting every child is a priority, and our small‑group provision lets staff stay closely connected to pupils and respond to individual needs.
Children learn Welsh in a structured, purposeful way through child‑centred themes and proven methods such as role play, games and language drills.
We place wellbeing at the heart of our work, helping children feel settled, confident and ready to learn.
Our visual, interactive teaching encourages participation and helps children understand and use Welsh at their own pace.
Educational visits give pupils the chance to use Welsh in real situations, building confidence and deepening understanding.

Questions about the Programme Itself

1.What themes are covered during the 12‑week programme?

Across the 12‑week programme, children learn Welsh through structured, child‑centred themes that help them use language in real situations. Themes such as The Park and The Caffi give pupils meaningful contexts to practise new vocabulary and patterns.
These themes help children build a strong foundation of language, enabling them to hold simple conversations in Welsh and interact confidently with their peers while socialising.

2. How is learning made fun and engaging?

Children learn Welsh through child‑centred themes and proven, playful methods such as role play, games and language drills.
Our visual, interactive teaching encourages children to join in, experiment with language and stay motivated.

3. Do you go on educational visits?

Yes lots! Educational visits give children the chance to use Welsh in real contexts, helping them make sense of new language, feel motivated to use it in different environments, and grow in confidence and understanding.
Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages!

Questions about Communication with Families

1. How often will I receive updates about my child?

Instagram and Facebook showcase daily activities and learning.
A weekly newsletter keeps you informed about what has been covered and offers simple ways you can help your child experiment with and explore the language at home.
You will also receive reports, along with progress and wellbeing meetings, to discuss how your child is getting on.

2. Will I see examples of their work?

Yes. You will have the chance to see your child’s books during the progress and wellbeing meeting at the halfway point, and again towards the end of the 12‑week programme.

3. How do you communicate with families?

We are contactable through chats Class Dojo, by phone and email making it easy for you to get in touch with us whenever needed. We have an open door policy.
Instagram and Facebook showcase daily activities and learning.
You will also receive reports, along with progress and wellbeing meetings, to discuss how your child is getting on.