Written Statement - Consultation on Proposed Changes to Childcare Regulation and Registration in Wales

Childcare regulation, through the registration of childminders and day care settings, gives families valuable reassurance about the quality of their children’s childcare. At present, childcare settings in Wales are only required to register to provide care for children up to the age of 8 years. Although settings may take children over this age, their care is not currently subject to regulation.

The Independent Review of Childcare and Early Education Registration, Regulation and Inspection, recommended all childcare, including provision for children aged 8 and over, should be registered.

Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of a consultation on proposed changes to childcare registration and regulation in Wales. The consultation focuses on extending the regulation of childcare to include provision for children aged 8 and over. The consultation also considers the implications of proposed changes on providers and the transitional arrangements necessary to minimise the burden on them.

The consultation document provides more detail on the proposals, including proposed changes to the National Minimum Standards against which all registered settings are required to comply.

I welcome views from all stakeholders on our proposals around childcare registration and regulation in Wales. Responses to the consultation will help inform the Welsh Government’s understanding of the implications of proposed changes on the childcare sector and ensure we have a proportionate, balanced regulation model in place for children of all ages.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks until 5 June 2015.