National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12 years: statutory guidance - Audience and overview

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.

• Regulation 9: Registered person (general requirements).
• Regulation 15: Statement of purpose.
• Regulation 20: Safeguarding and promotion of welfare.
• Regulation 21: Food provision for children.
• Regulation 24: Health needs of children.
• Regulation 27: Staffing.
• Regulation 29: Employment of staff.
• Regulation 37: Fitness of premises.

• 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.
• Early Years Toolkit: 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: 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.
• 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.
• Advancing gender equality: action plan.
• 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.