Cause for celebration for childminders in Wales
Cause for celebration for childminders in Wales
Childminders across Wales have reason to celebrate following a major announcement from the Welsh Government. The Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden MS, has published a statement in response to the public consultation on the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for regulated childcare, which ran from 17 September to 10 December 2025. This marks a significant step forward in shaping childcare standards that are both practical and supportive for providers, children, and families.
A consultation built on collaboration
The consultation set out to address recommendations from the Early Years, Childcare and Play reviews, as well as concerns raised by stakeholders and providers. Dawn Bowden MS expressed her gratitude to all who contributed, describing the feedback as invaluable in helping to shape standards that are relevant, proportionate, and fit for purpose. A summary of responses to the consultation has now been published, reflecting the breadth of engagement from across the sector.
Coram PACEY Cymru welcomed the changes, with Claire Protheroe their Head of Contracts and Projects commenting:
‘’Coram PACEY Cymru has been working hard to influence changes related to childminder practice, and the confirmation that these will be taken forward in the revised NMS, due for publication in summer 2026, is a significant victory. The organisation has been clear that providers will need these changes published ahead of the summer holidays to positively impact care for children during that period.’’
What changes are coming?
The Welsh Government will be taking forward a number of important changes that directly affect childminders.
Key updates include:
• Updates to Standard 11 (Medication) with an additional supporting annexe.
• Childminding assistants will be permitted to begin employment while working towards their required qualification, subject to a 6-month time limit and set conditions.
• A defined time limit on childminding assistants being left in sole charge of children.
• Updated childminder ratios: up to ten children (under 12), with no more than six under 8, four under 5, three under 2, and normally two under 18 months (with sibling exceptions).
• Children due to start full-time statutory schooling in September can be classed as over 5 during the summer holidays immediately before — a practical change that will ease summer holiday pressures.
• Children aged 3–5 attending educational provision for five or more hours per day may also be classed as over 5 for ratio purposes.
These changes do not come into effect until the publication of the revised NMS later this summer.
Coram PACEY Cymru further commented:
‘’These reforms reflect a genuine commitment to ensuring childminders in Wales can remain sustainable while delivering safe, nurturing, and high-quality childcare. For the sector, this is an encouraging step towards a future where childminding is better supported, more flexible, and more accessible to the families who need it most.’’
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