National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12 years: statutory guidance - Audience and overview
Standard of care child minding and day care providers must meet to look after children under 12.
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Standard 6: Working in partnership with parents
Child’s voice: People important to me are kept up to date about what I do and how I’m getting on.
Well-being outcome: Children’s activities, achievements and progress are shared with parents, or carers who are kept fully involved in and informed about their child’s care.
The registered person is responsible for ensuring that:
6.1 They and their staff work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group.
6.2 Parents’ primary responsibility for their children is recognised and respected.
6.3 Parents are kept fully informed about routines and childcare practices.
6.4 Policies and procedures are available to all parents.
6.5 Details of what their child has achieved during the day, including any significant event or change in behaviour, is shared with parents.
6.6 When caring for children under 2 years of age, there is a daily system for the exchange of information between the parent and the key worker. This includes information about the child’s changing developmental and care needs and routines.
6.7 Regular information is provided for parents about activities, for example, through wall displays, photographs or examples of children’s work.
6.8 Records are kept containing details about the child and notes on his/her progress. Parents have access to all written records about their children (except as provided in NMS 6.10 below)
6.9 Children aged under 8 years are only released from the care of the provision to individuals named by the parents. Children over the age of 8 are only released from the care of the provision under arrangements which have been pre-agreed with the parents.
6.10 The policy about privacy and confidentiality will be made available. Any requests by third parties for information will be discussed with parents and information only shared with their consent. An exception can be made where there is a requirement to report concerns about the welfare or safety of the child, for example in relation to child protection.
6.11 If a child is identified as a child in need of care and support (section 21 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014), the registered person, with parents’ permission, gives appropriate information to referring agencies.
In a Day Care Setting:
6.12 Information is given to parents which includes the role of parents and any expectations that parents participate on the management committee or as volunteers. Any volunteers and committee members are given full information and guidance on their roles and responsibilities.
To assist providers, the principal regulatory requirements underpinning this standard are outlined below, followed by relevant guidance. Providers should note that neither list is exhaustive, and that providers must have regard to standards relevant to their service and the circumstances concerned.
Related Regulations
Regulation 9 - Registered person: general requirements
Regulation 16: Review of quality of care
Regulation 20 – Safeguarding and promotion of welfare
Regulation 22 – Arrangements for the protection of children
Regulation 24 – Health needs of children
Regulation 29 – Employment of staff
Regulation 30 – Keeping of records and Schedule 3 – Records to be maintained
Regulation 31 – Provision of information and Schedule 4 – Events to be notified to the Welsh Ministers