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.

• Children's rights in Wales.
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities Professional Learning.
• Children's rights: Information for children.
• What are children’s rights: guidance for parents and carers (settings can share these leaflets with parents and carers).
• Baby pledge: Here I am! A pledge for babies in Wales.
• NEST framework: An introduction to the NEST framework for improving mental health and wellbeing services for babies, children, young people and their families.
• Trusted adults: NEST framework.
• Safer sleep overview: The Lullaby Trust.
• Flying Start childcare: guidance.
• Play Wales- Focus on play: How play supports children’s mental health.
• Safer sleep overview: The Lullaby Trust.