National Minimum Standards for Regulated Day Care - Open Access Play for children aged 5 years to 12 years: statutory guidance - Audience and overview

Child’s voice

No matter who I am, I always feel welcome here. People listen to me, notice what makes play fun for me, and help me join in when I need it, so I can enjoy playing in my own way.

Well-being outcome

Children’s individual needs are planned and provided for. All children experience fairness, inclusion and respect, with barriers reduced so everyone can participate fully.

The registered person is responsible for ensuring that:

2.1 They and their staff demonstrate that they can meet the needs of all children who attend, including disabled children, children with Additional support needs and children with Additional Learning needs (ALN), and steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of each child. 

2.2 They and their staff have the skills and experience to meet a child’s individual needs and preferences.

2.3 The welfare and play opportunities of all children are promoted by using a child-centred approach. The views of children are actively sought, considered and incorporated into decision making.

2.4 Privacy is respected when intimate care is being provided.

2.5 Staffing arrangements that meet the needs of all children who attend can be evidenced. 

2.6 Appropriate action is taken if it is identified that a child has or may have additional support needs. This may include discussions with parents, professionals and other agencies. 

2.7 Where a provider thinks a child has an additional learning need (ALN), wherever possible, this should be discussed with their parent. Either the provider or the parent can bring it to the attention of the local authority that a child has, or may have, ALN. In responding, the local authority must follow the requirements and guidance set out in The Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales. 

2.8 Staff offer an inclusive environment, facilities and activities to ensure all children can access all play opportunities provided. 

2.9 Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice is promoted in the setting. 

2.10 There is an Equality, diversity and inclusion 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.

2.11 The needs and preferences of all children in relation to their home language(s), social, cultural and religious practices are understood and catered for.

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 23: behaviour management, discipline and restraint.
• Regulation 24:health needs of children.
• Regulation 26: use and storage of medicines.
• Regulation 27: staffing.
• Regulation 29: employment of staff.
• Regulation 37: fitness of premises.

• Early Intervention and Prevention Framework to support Babies, Children, Young People and Families in Wales.
• 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 Eradicating Racism Guide: guidance to support settings in dealing with racist incidents in a practical, compassionate and professional manner, centring the wellbeing of those involved.
• Practice worth sharing Sarah Sharpe: 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.
• The Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales.
• SNAP Cymru’s aim is to advance the education of people in Wales and support their inclusion.