Explore Play Wales
The Welsh Government has published a summary of responses to the consultation on National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12 years.
The consultation, which was held in 2022, received 196 responses from a range of organisations including childminders, daycare providers, local authorities, and charitable organisations, such as Play Wales.
The consultation’s main aim was to respond to recommendations from a review of the NMS in 2019. There were a number of areas where clarification and further guidance was needed, for example, in areas such as first aid and safeguarding training.
The summary of responses shows the proposals were broadly supported by respondents, with some issues identified.
As a next step, the Welsh Government intends to refine the detail around the proposed changes with input from partners such as local authorities, childcare and play umbrella organisations in Wales. It will aim to ensure the NMS and associated guidance supports the childcare and play sector to meet the relevant requirements of the standards and regulations.
In a written statement, the Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan MS said that she intends to publish a refreshed version of the NMS later in 2023. These will be kept under review.