Guidance

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.

First published: 18 June 2026

Last updated: 18 June 2026

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Standard 24: Safety

Child’s voice: I am kept safe, and everyone checks for dangers so I don’t get hurt.

Well-being outcome:Children feel secure and confident to explore because risks are managed thoughtfully, enabling safe challenge.

The registered person is responsible for ensuring that:

Promoting Safety and Managing Risks

24.1 Safety is promoted within the setting and on outings, and proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

24.2 Hazards to children on the premises, both inside and outside, are kept to a minimum. Health and safety regulations are complied with, and staff are trained to understand health and safety requirements for the environment in which they work.

24.3 A risk assessment of the premises is in place and is reviewed at least annually and if there are any changes to the premises or the needs of the children. An action plan with timescales identifies action to be taken to minimise identified risks in the risk assessment.

24.4 Risk management of individual activities and play opportunities balances risk of harm against the benefits for the child, for example, in extending their knowledge of the world, developing skills and physical or emotional well-being.

24.5 Children are supervised at all times, and extra care is taken during activities which may carry some level of danger.

24.6 Children can play safely outside through a combination of supervision and protection from hazards.

24.7 There is a system for managing access to the premises and a record of visitors kept.

24.8 When in high or low chairs children are secured in safety harnesses as appropriate.

24.9 Sleeping babies are frequently checked by a member of staff. All persons providing care are made aware of guidance on sleeping babies.

24.10 The premises, including any outside play areas, are secure and children under the age of 8 are not able to leave unsupervised. Children aged 8 and over are only able to leave under arrangements which have been pre agreed with the parents.

24.11 Ponds, drains, pools or any natural water, are made safe or inaccessible to children.

24.12 There are no poisonous or hazardous plants indoors where childcare is delivered. Poisonous or hazardous outdoor plants should be inaccessible to children.

24.13 Any door fitted with glass has safety glass or is covered with protective plastic film.

24.14 Adequate public liability insurance for the provision is in place.

24.15 Potentially hazardous equipment and substances are securely anchored and/or stored out of reach of children.

Fire Risk

24.16 There is a comprehensive and up to date fire risk assessment for the premises, conducted by a competent person, (a person who has the relevant skills and experience to carry out a fire risk assessment for the premises concerned) see Choosing a competent fire risk assessor. The assessment is reviewed at least every year and conducted afresh if it is out of date, or following any changes to the premises or the needs of children which might materially alter the risk of fire.

24.17 Adequate precautions are taken against the risk of fire, and any recommendations made by the fire risk assessor or the Fire and Rescue Service are complied with.

24.18 Where required by relevant legislation, gas, electrical, oil or solid fuel burning appliances and fittings, including central heating systems and fires are regularly checked and serviced by an approved technician. Such appliances must conform to safety requirements, are to be appropriately guarded and must not cause a hazard to children. Appropriate certification must be kept and be available for inspection by CIW.

24.19 There are clearly defined procedures, known to all staff, for emergency evacuation of any premises, and which include appropriate provision for evacuating disabled staff or children. Fire drills are carried out at least every 6 months, recognising that children benefit from more frequent practice. Records are kept in a fire logbook for inspection by the Fire and Rescue Service, and safety certificates are obtained as required.

24.20 There are suitable means of escape for staff and children from all floors including disabled staff and children.

24.21 Fire doors are neither obstructed nor propped open; and fire exits are clearly identified and easily opened from the inside without a key, and lead to an outdoor place of safety accessible to the emergency services.

24.22 Smoke or heat alarms which conform to BS 5839 are provided as necessary. This includes at least one working smoke or heat alarm on each floor, in the main circulation area (i.e. hallway or landing). A carbon monoxide alarm is also installed in every room containing an appliance burning gas, oil or solid fuel. These are checked to the frequency specified by the manufacturer and kept in working order.

24.23 If there is a kitchen on the premises used to cook food, it is only used by staff who do not have simultaneous responsibility for providing care. If children are allowed in the kitchen, they are supervised by staff who do not have simultaneous responsibility for cooking food.

24.24 Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the premises, in the designated outdoor play area(s), or in any area where child minding and day care takes place. Any smoking materials and vapes must be kept out of reach of children at all times.

24.25 Candles are not used on the premises, other than small candles on birthday cakes.

Transportation

24.26 There is a procedure for safe conduct of any outings. Records are kept about vehicles in which children are transported, including insurance details and a list of named drivers.

24.27 Drivers using their own transport have valid driving and vehicle licences, the appropriate insurance cover and where required a current MOT certificate.

24.28 Car seats appropriate to the age, weight or height of the child should be used when transporting children.

Standard 24: Safety (Child Minder)

24.1 (CM) Childminder’s comply with the Welsh Government's Fire safety: guidance for child minding premises which provides guidance to assist them in keeping themselves, and the children in their care safe from fire.

Standard 24: Safety (Day Care)

24.1 (DC) For non-domestic premises all providers comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and accompanying fire safety statutory guidance for small non-domestic premises: A guide to making your small non-domestic premises safe from fire.

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 relevant standards relevant to their service and the circumstances concerned.