Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care
Today I am pleased to make the Child Minding and Day Care Exceptions (Revocation and Transitional Provision) (Wales) Order 2026 (“the 2026 Order”).
The 2026 Order sets out the circumstances where registration with Care Inspectorate Wales as a child minder or day care provider under the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 is not required and is therefore exempt. Being exempt from registration means that a child minder or day care provider is not required to register with Care Inspectorate Wales, comply with the Child Minding and Day Care (Wales) Regulations 2010, or have regard to the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare.
The 2026 Order aims to modernise and clarify the exceptions for childcare, playwork and activity providers.
Key changes to the exceptions include:
- aligning the exceptions for childminders who are relatives with the Childcare Offer guidance;
- revising existing age and time thresholds and introducing new age and time limits to some of the exceptions particularly for coaching and tuition activities;
- strengthening oversight and quality assurance for children aged two and under;
- aligning the exceptions for nannies, au pairs, and babysitters;
- enabling 10 year olds to engage with transitional youth services; and
- preventing suspended providers from operating under certain exceptions.
The 2026 Order ensures that oversight of childcare, playwork and activity provision in Wales is proportionate and appropriate in determining which providers are not required to register.
The 2026 Order balances the need for oversight with supporting families to continue accessing a wide range of childcare, playwork and activity provision that meet their needs.
The 2026 Order will come into force on 1 April 2027 and will be fully enforceable by 1 April 2028 following a one‑year transitional period. The Welsh Government intends to publish guidance to support understanding of the 2026 Order before it comes into force.