Policy Work

Childcare, Play and Early Years Workforce Plan (2017)

The Childcare, Play and Early Years Workforce Plan sets out Welsh Government’s ambition to develop a highly skilled childcare and play and early years workforce which is recognised as a highly regarded profession and career of choice, and one which society values for its contribution to our children’s learning and development.

Early Years Outcomes Framework (2015)

The Early Years Outcomes Framework has been designed to:

• provide a framework which will support the coordination of the work of different departments and key stakeholders in relation to early years
• ensure Welsh Government’s early years policies and programmes are making a difference
• help identify where further improvement is needed, and where Welsh Government will need to prioritise action in the short, medium and long term
• help individuals across the sector, at different levels, understand the contribution they make to achieving the outcomes
• support planning and evaluation locally.

From Monday 15 January 2018, the  Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW) changed its name to the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).

If providers or care partners have any paperwork or documents displaying CSSIW’s name, they will continue to be valid, but forms with guidance will include the new name over the coming weeks.

CIW contact details 

Changes to the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare (January 2018)

There will be changes to staffing qualification requirements from September 2021.

The changes relate to Standards 13.6(DC) and 13.7(DC) Day Care, and concern the qualifications required for Persons in Charge and non-supervisory staff in regulated childcare and play services that are regulated for children aged 0 to 12 years.

The lead-in time for the childcare and play workforces to attain the required play qualifications has been set at September 2021.

Further details can be found on the Social Care list of Wales from the required qualifications to work in early years and social care services in Wales, and a SkillsActive list of the required qualifications to work in the playwork sector in Wales.

Providers can see the newsletter issued by the Welsh Government earlier this year.

‘Money talks’ as the saying goes, and undoubtedly, where childcare is in question, this is a common concern by parents / carers on the one hand and by childcare providers like Cylchoedd Meithrin and day nurseries.

So when Welsh Government announced (with the support of most opposition parties) that it would introduce 30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds whose parents work 16 hours a week or more as part of its programme in the run up to 2021, we gave a cheer! This is a really great opportunity for parents to take advantage of funded quality childcare and for providers or settings to receive remuneration and an hourly rate that is recognition of the high costs and work involved in providing a quality childcare service.

Here are 10 ‘top tips’ for Cylchoedd Meithrin across Wales:

1. Is your location in one of the 7 areas that are part of the pilot? These areas are: Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, Flintshire, Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly. If you are in one of these areas, why not talk to a representative of the umbrella organisation that you belong to in order to receive more guidance and support?

2. Look out for relevant developments on the web, Twitter and on Facebook. Attend meetings or forums that will be organised locally, by Mudiad Meithrin, by ‘Cwlwm’ or by a Local Authority.

3. Make sure you have a business plan in place, broadly that you know your monthly income and expenditure. Contact your Support Officer for assistance.

4. Fundraising is a reality for many childcare providers and a plan of regular fundraising events is required. There are lots of ideas available online and on social media – what are other locations in other areas of Wales doing?

5. Contribute any comments to the Welsh Government through the #TalkChildcare campaign. You may have views about the current 10-hour plan (or ‘Flying Start’ scheme). Help the Government to plan this correctly as the plan evolves.

6. Think about applying for the ‘Awards for All’ Lottery grant to improve the setting’s resources. Other sources are also available (The Health Lottery, Postcode Lottery, Aviva Community Fund, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust etc).

7. Make sure your staff have every opportunity to gain a qualification or skill with local and national opportunities. A place that invests in the skills of its staff is a rewarding place!

8. Get the support of your community (see point 4) to fundraise, promote your work, engage with stakeholders!

9. Do you transition successfully with your local schools? That is, is the relationship between your setting and the school good? There are a number of examples of childcare settings that provide a range of services including wraparound care  in conjunction with schools.

10.Keep in touch! Follow our facebook and twitter acccounts, and use our staff’s expertise.

For further information for providers click here  

We are interested in your experiences and ideas.  Please contact Eleri Griffiths to discuss current consultations.

Legislative proposal to remove the defence of reasonable punishment

The Welsh Government is committed to bringing to an end the corporal punishment of children by removing the defence of reasonable punishment in Wales. This consultation is seeking views on the development of the legislative proposal. This would not create a new criminal offence, but would remove a defence to the existing offence of common assault or battery.

Mudiad Meithrin will be responding by the end of March 2018

Wales’ future relationship with the European Union

 With the Brexit negotiations between the European Union and the UK Government now moving to discussions on a transition period and the framework for the future relationship, the External Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into what Wales needs from these negotiations.

Mudiad Meithrin will be responding by February 9th 2018

Striking the right balance: proposals for a Welsh Language Bill October 2017

Mudiad Meithrin’s Consultation Response here

Cymraeg 2050 - A million Welsh Speakers Summer 2017

Meithrin Miliwn – Mudiad meithrin’s response to Cymraeg 2050 - A million Welsh speakers