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 16: Equal opportunities
Child’s voice: Everyone is treated fairly, and I can join in no matter who I am.
Well-being outcome: All children experience fairness, inclusion and respect, with barriers reduced so everyone can participate fully.
The registered person is responsible for ensuring that:
16.1 Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice is promoted in the setting
16.2 There is an equal opportunities policy, which is consistent with current legislation and guidance and is regularly reviewed. All staff and volunteers understand and implement this policy, and it is available to parents.
16.3 All children and adults are treated with equal concern, and the registered person complies with relevant anti-discriminatory legislation and good practice in all areas, including employment, training, admission to day care and access to the resources, activities and facilities available.
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 all standards relevant to their service and the circumstances concerned.
Related Regulations
Further Guidance and Support
Equality Act 2010 - information and guidance on the Equality Act 2010, including age discrimination and public sector Equality Duty
Anti-racist Wales Action Plan Update 2024 – the steps the Welsh Government will take to make sure Wales is an Anti-racist nation
DARPL-Early-Years-Toolkit_ENGLISH.pdf – a practical toolkit to help you create an anti-racist culture in your setting
Childcare Play and Early Years y resources DARPL – anti-racist resources and free e-learning for staff and leaders to help create inclusive settings
DARPL-Eradicating-Racism-Guide_ENGLISH.pdf : guidance to support settings in dealing with racist incidents in a practical, compassionate and professional manner, centring the well-being of those involved
Practice worth sharing Sarah Sharpe | Care Inspectorate Wales - this practice worth sharing example highlights how a childminder has created an anti-racist environment in their setting
Action on disability: the right to independent living framework and action plan | GOV.WALES
Disabled People’s Rights Plan 2025 to 2035 – 10-year plan to improve the lives of disabled people living in Wales
Let's Raise the Roof - A Social Model of Disability
LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales - the plan to make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe
Strategic Equality and Human Rights Plan 2025 to 2029 | GOV.WALES
Advancing gender equality: action plan | GOV.WALES
Child poverty Strategy for Wales 2024
Armed Forces Bill 2026 - The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Information on support for armed forces families can be accessed here: Armed forces liaison officers