Written Statement: Professional Registration of the childcare and playwork workforce: Next steps

Today I would like to inform Members of the next steps regarding professional registration of the childcare and playwork workforce following the consultation undertaken between November 2023 and March 2024. 

We published the summary of responses to the consultation in June 2024. The consultation found a lack of consensus in favour of professional registration, with less than half of the respondents welcoming the principle of a workforce register. In addition, what support there was, was very cautious and dependent on what the cost would be to workers and who would be included in the register. Concerns were also raised regarding the timing of the proposal to create a professional register for the workforce.

My officials have undertaken further work to explore the issues and concerns raised to determine the best way forward. Due consideration has also been given to two policy reviews underway (National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare and the Childminding and Day Care Exceptions (Wales) Order 2010). Both reviews will see significant engagement with the sector and could have implications for the future of the childcare and play sector. 

This exercise has determined that now is not the right time to progress a childcare and playwork workforce register given the current pressures and demands on the sector.  Our continued focus will be on working closely with the sector to explore how we can improve sustainability while promoting a suitably qualified workforce. The increase to the Childcare Offer hourly rate recently announced and making small business rates relief permanent demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting the sector. 

I have therefore decided to pause the work on professional registration at this time.  Once we know the outcome of wider policy work, we will review the situation regarding professional registration. 

We have worked closely with sector stakeholders on the exploration of professional registration over a number of years. I am sincerely grateful to all who have been involved in this process. It has provided us with a key understanding of the sector’s perspective on workforce registration, including the areas they are most concerned about and the parameters they feel a register should have. 

During the pause we will continue our work to enhance perceptions of the sector to progress one of the desired benefits of a workforce register– recognition of the professional status of the workforce. We will continue to promote working in childcare and play through routes such as WeCare Wales, our newly established Childcare and Playwork fair work forum and work with Social Care Wales to progress their Pathways to Childcare programme.

We remain committed to supporting the childcare and playwork workforce to develop, feel valued and thrive. Those working in the sector are our most important asset in ensuring all children in Wales have the best start in life and the opportunity to achieve their potential.