Focus on play – Updated National Minimum Standards for open access playwork settings

Author: Play Wales
Date: July 2026

This issue of Focus on play provides information about the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for open access playwork published by the Welsh Government in June 2026. It is aimed at those who are responsible for, or work in, open access playwork, as well as those with an interest in open access playwork settings.

The Welsh Government published updated NMS for regulated childcare for children up to the age of twelve, including a new set of standalone NMS for open access playwork.

In this issue, we explore what has changed in the NMS for open access plawork, and answer common questions relating to the new standards, such as:

• What about registration for open access providers working in multiple locations?
• Does this mean that open access playwork is not as strictly regulated as other daycare and childminding?
• Do all open access playwork settings have to register with Care Inspectorate Wales?