Consultations for the play and playwork sector

The Welsh Government is currently undertaking three consultations that are relevant to the play and playwork sector. As part of reviews taking place this year, the government wants your views on:

Review of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Duty on Local Authorities

This consultation focuses on a proposal for the future development of Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs). The matters being consulted on include:

• the format, content, process and planning cycle for the CSAs
• changes or improvements to the statutory guidance to support the proposed changes in regulations
• tools and resources required to support the development of the CSA.

There are links to Play Sufficiency Assessments in terms of timing, process and content that could support positive links between the two assessments.

Closing date for responses: 17 October 2025

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Exceptions to childcare registration and the proposal for a Voluntary Approval Scheme

This consultation focuses on the proposed changes to the rules about child minding and day care registration and the development of a Voluntary Approval Scheme. The matters being consulted on are:

• the changes proposed to circumstances where providers are not required to register as a child minder or day care provider
• the proposed development of a Voluntary Approval Scheme for childcare, playwork and activity providers who are exempt from registration
• the impact these changes could have on a range of factors, including the Welsh language.

A draft response will be available on our website from 17 October to support the sector to respond.

Closing date for responses: 3 November 2025

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National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Regulated Childcare

This consultation focuses on the latest proposed changes to the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12. The proposals include:

• structure and layout of the NMS
• the chapter ‘what do we mean by high quality provision’
• open access play standards
• the administration of liquid paracetamol in accordance with Standard 11: medication
• deployment of staff in day care settings
• child minder assistants and child minding ratios
• impact on the Welsh language.

A draft response will be available on our website from 28 November to support the sector to respond.

Closing date for responses: 10 December 2025

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