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

Child’s voice: I feel cared for and listened to. I feel I can be myself.

Well-being outcome: Children experience warm, responsive relationships that nurture belonging, confidence, emotional well-being and resilience.

The registered person is responsible for ensuring that:

8.1 Staff have knowledge and understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and its implications for their work and their interaction with children supporting them to begin to understand their rights.

8.2 The setting’s policies and the care given promote warm relationships, security, self-esteem, independence and confidence for children, in a responsive, nurturing atmosphere.

8.3 Communication is positive and encouraging and children are listened to. There is eye contact and generally communication is at the child’s level.

8.4 Children are enabled to develop confidence and self-esteem in the setting.

8.5 The settling-in process is appropriate for the individual child, and separation from parents or carers minimises any distress and anxiety. 

8.6 Babies and very young children are able to develop an attachment to a consistent carer or small number of regular carers.

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.

Regulation 9 - Registered person: general requirements

Regulation 20 – Safeguarding and promotion of welfare

Regulation 22 – Arrangements for the protection of children

Regulation 23 - Behaviour management, discipline and restraint

Regulation 24 – Health needs of children

Regulation 27 – Staffing 

Regulation 37 - Fitness of premises 

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