Explore Play Wales
We have published a new issue of Focus on play, which provides information about the updated National Minimum Standards (NMS) for open access playwork. 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.
In June 2026, the Welsh Government published updated NMS for regulated childcare for children up to the age of twelve. This includes a new set of standalone NMS for open access playwork.
The NMS statutory guidance for regulated open access playwork is intended to allow a flexible approach, allowing providers to develop quality provision tailored to the needs of children, parents and local communities. The standalone NMS are intended to reflect the needs of children from five to twelve years old and to be proportional in the way in which they are applied.
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?