UWTSD Partners with Ysgol Dyffryn Taf to Deliver Inspiring 12-Hour Childcare Research Project
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has partnered with Ysgol Dyffryn Taf to deliver a 12-hour Childcare research project, giving 21 Year 10 students an engaging and immersive learning experience.
Running from January to March, the project saw UWTSD Childhood, Youth and Education lecturers Glenda Tinney and Natasha Morgans deliver theory-based lessons linked to the GCSE Childcare syllabus. The sessions provided valuable academic insight while introducing students to university-style teaching.
The project also supported UWTSD’s commitment to widening access to higher education. By engaging students early, the programme aimed to show that university is achievable and accessible to all, regardless of background. Meeting academic staff, experiencing university-style learning, and gaining a better understanding of higher education helped build confidence, raise aspirations, and break down barriers to progression.
In March, students visited a Forest School in Singleton in partnership with Forest School SNPT. The visit gave students first-hand experience of an alternative learning environment and showed how outdoor education links to childhood theory and practice, highlighting the value of learning beyond the classroom.
The programme concluded with a visit to the UWTSD campus, where students were introduced to university life through a range of activities, including a quiz, an overview of studying Childcare at UWTSD, a campus tour and a visit to the Immersive Room. The day ended with a special graduation ceremony celebrating the students’ achievements, which they can reference in future applications.
Lecturers Glenda Tinney and Natasha Morgans said: “This has been a wonderful opportunity and a chance to build stronger ties with one of our local secondary schools. It also provided an opportunity to share content that can support the students’ learning journey and highlights how university study is accessible and inclusive to a range of learners.
“Interactive sessions based around play and other childhood and education subjects allowed us to share with Dyffryn Taf students the types of activities and learning styles which reflect our own undergraduate lectures too.
“The Dyffryn Taf student group were wonderful, engaged, and enthusiastic. This has made the last few months a real highpoint. Natasha and I looked forward to our sessions at the school and learnt a great deal from the experience.
“Getting out to local schools and other organisations is key to developing partnerships with our local communities, and we hope this project can be developed further in the future.”
Anna Stephens, Student Recruitment Outreach Officer who organised the project, added: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for the Year 10 students, inspiring them to aim towards higher education opportunities. It has been a pleasure working with the department and seeing them showcase the learning that goes on here at the University. The students from Ysgol Dyffryn Taf were a credit to the school, showing excellent knowledge and understanding throughout the project.”
Sophie Palmer, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Dyffryn Taf and Class Teacher, also praised the initiative:
“The programme has been excellent, and students returned from their campus visit delighted and inspired. Many have already commented on how they would like to attend UWTSD in the future, and we are excited to run the project again next year.”
A student said: “This course has educated me on many important things and has opened my eyes on opportunities.”
The project reflects UWTSD’s ongoing commitment to widening participation, strengthening community partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of learners.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071