MS, Minister for Children and
Social Care: Today I would like to inform Members of the next
steps regarding professional registration of the childcare and
playwork workforce following the consultation undertaken between
November 2023 and March 2024.
We published the summary of responses
to the consultation in June 2024. The consultation found a lack
of consensus in favour of professional registration, with less
than half of the respondents welcoming the
principle of a workforce register. In addition,
what support there was, was very cautious and dependent on what
the cost would be to workers and who would be included in the
register. Concerns were also raised regarding the timing of the
proposal to create a professional register for the workforce.
My officials have undertaken further work to explore the issues
and concerns raised to determine the best way forward. Due
consideration has also been given to two policy reviews underway
(National Minimum Standards
for Regulated Childcare and the Childminding and Day Care
Exceptions (Wales) Order 2010). Both reviews will see
significant engagement with the sector and could have
implications for the future of the childcare and play
sector.
This exercise has determined that now is not the right time to
progress a childcare and playwork workforce register given the
current pressures and demands on the sector. Our continued
focus will be on working closely with the sector to explore how
we can improve sustainability while promoting a suitably
qualified workforce. The increase to the Childcare Offer
hourly rate recently announced and making small business rates
relief permanent demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting
the sector.
I have therefore decided to pause the work on professional
registration at this time. Once we know the outcome of
wider policy work, we will review the situation regarding
professional registration.
We have worked closely with sector stakeholders on the
exploration of professional registration over a number of
years. I am sincerely grateful to all who have been involved
in this process. It has provided us with a key understanding of
the sector's perspective on workforce registration, including the
areas they are most concerned about and the parameters they feel
a register should have.
During the pause we will continue our work to enhance perceptions
of the sector to progress one of the desired benefits of a
workforce register– recognition of the professional status of the
workforce. We will continue to promote working in childcare and
play through routes such as WeCare Wales, our newly established
Childcare and Playwork fair work forum and work with Social Care
Wales to progress their Pathways to Childcare programme.
We remain committed to supporting the childcare and playwork
workforce to develop, feel valued and thrive. Those working in
the sector are our most important asset in ensuring all
children in Wales have the best start in life and the opportunity
to achieve their potential.
