Welsh Government launches consultation on Local Authority childcare assessment regulations
The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to the Childcare Act 2006 (Local Authority Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2016. The review aims to modify Local Authorities' Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) duties through less prescriptive requirements, revised data collection methods and new statutory guidance. The consultation, announced on 25 July 2025, proposes changes to streamline assessment processes while maintaining obligations regarding additional learning needs provision. The Welsh Government plans to publish a summary of consultation responses in Winter 2025. The proposals form part of broader efforts to update childcare provision planning requirements across Wales.