Welsh Government today published their response to the recent consultation on proposed changes to Childcare Regulation and Registration in Wales.

The main consultation centred on the Welsh Government’s proposals to extend the upper age limit for the compulsory registration of childcare beyond the age of 8 years. As announced in September, from 1 April 2016 the upper age limit will be extended from 8 to 12 years.

Welsh Government have announced that specific changes to the revised NMS informed by feedback received to the consultation, will be issued early in 2016. However, the summary report containing the full Welsh Government response to the consultation, provides an overview of the changes being made, as well as detailing the specific changes and arrangements to the NMS for staffing ratios and qualifications

There's more information on the statement released here and the summary of response can be seen here.

PACEY has brought together the key points from this response;

Confirmation on ratios for Registered Childminders and Day Care settings

From 1 April 2016 staffing ratios will be amended to allow child-minders to care for a maximum number of 10 children (including their own children) up to the age of 12 years. The increase in the maximum number will relate only to those children aged 8 and over and there will be no change to the arrangements concerning the numbers of children cared for under this age.

In Day Care Settings the standard will be amended to allow a minimum staffing ratio of one adult to ten children aged 8-11 years, i.e. up to the age of 12 years.

Care for under 2 hours

Views were also invited on whether provision operating for less than two hours should be registered.  Responses indicated strong support for registering such provision. Whilst Welsh Government do not intend to make any change at this stage it is an issue to which they have noted they will give further consideration to in the future.

Supervision of Childminding Assistants/Volunteers

Although no plans are currently in place to make changes in respect of the arrangements for the supervision of child-minding assistants/volunteers Welsh Government have noted they will look further at this in the light of the consultation responses received.

Local Authority Planning Requirements

Though not noted within this response discussions with CSSIW around planning requirements are still ongoing and progressing well. Further information will be shared following confirmation on further updates.

If you have any further queries please contact paceycymru@pacey.org.uk