Discover how bilingual early years education is reshaping childcare in the UK, as guest contributor Cennydd John shares insights from Hatching Dragons nursery.
With childcare provision currently under the microscope here in the UK, Cennydd John, founder of the country’s first bilingual Mandarin-English nursery, talks about why he believes a more multicultural approach could transform early years education.
Rethinking early years: the case for multicultural nurseries
Parent power could prove vital in shaping the economic direction of a post-Brexit Britain. But could we be doing more with those crucial early years to nurture empathy, cultural awareness and diversity? Cennydd John certainly thinks so.
As founder of Hatching Dragons in London’s Barbican, he challenges the idea that the language of learning must always be English. His bilingual Mandarin-English nursery reflects the growing demand among parents for something beyond the traditional childcare model – one that prepares children for a more interconnected world.
Why the right start matters
London is a playground for curious minds. Opportunities to learn, play and explore are everywhere, though the cost of childcare often feels endless. For many families, both parents working isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity – and rising nursery fees can make that decision harder than ever. Yet Cennydd remains a believer in the value of nurseries: structured, social spaces where little ones learn autonomy and self-confidence.
Research from Oxford University and the Institute of Education supports this view, showing that a nurturing early years environment can lead to happier, more emotionally balanced adults. But paperwork, red tape and uniform teaching methods often leave parents questioning whether the system is truly designed for children – or just to tick boxes.
The bilingual advantage
For Cennydd, the missing piece was language. “What can a nursery offer that parents can’t?” he asked. His answer: fluency in a second language – a skill that enriches the mind and prepares children for a multicultural future. And he’s not alone. Across the UK, bilingual nurseries are thriving as parents recognise the cognitive, creative and social advantages of dual-language learning.
Studies show that bilingual children demonstrate sharper reasoning, greater creativity, and better attention spans. They often outperform monolingual peers in later academic life. And no, parents don’t need to be fluent themselves – children aged 0–5 can absorb languages naturally through play and conversation.
In my own family, Farsi would make the biggest difference, connecting my son to his Persian heritage. For Cennydd, Mandarin opens doors to one of the world’s most influential cultures. That shared belief in the power of language inspired him to create Hatching Dragons – the UK’s first bilingual Mandarin early years setting.
A model for the future
Hatching Dragons draws on the world’s best bilingual early years models to create something rare: a curriculum that blends the EYFS framework with cross-cultural learning. Cennydd hopes it will equip children with the confidence and curiosity to thrive in an increasingly globalised world – and perhaps even inspire them to continue Mandarin through primary school.
But beyond the language, he wants to spark a wider conversation: how can we use those precious early years to offer something unique? Something that broadens horizons, builds bridges and makes the cost of childcare feel like an investment in the future, not just a necessity of the present.
To find out more about Hatching Dragons or arrange a visit, head to www.hatching-dragons.com.
Have you tried bilingual learning with your little one? Share your experience in the comments or tag @saffronandcyrus on social media to join the conversation about multicultural early education.
Saffron and Cyrus is a Newcastle-based family lifestyle blog, covering health, wellness, days out, travel, reviews, recipes and more from our family life.
The blog is written by new mum over 40, Saffron, with input from hubby H and son, Little C.
