About the Childcare Approval Scheme

The Home Childcare Approval Scheme in Wales took effect in February 2007 and is being run by Nestor Primecare Services Ltd, the Approval Body, under contract to the National Assembly for Wales. The approval fee, payable on application, is currently £99 and includes the cost of an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure (CRB check), maintenance of the website, a telephone helpline, an appeals process and all administrative costs and VAT.

The scheme is voluntary and only applies to childcare provided in Wales.

In order to be approved under this scheme the carer has to meet the following criteria at the point of application or renewal.

• Must be aged 18 years or over.
• Must have an existing qualification on the National Framework of Accredited Qualifications for Early Years, Childcare and Playwork at level 2 or higher.
• Hold a first aid certificate which is less than three years old, suitable for the care of babies and young children and which covers dealing with emergencies, resuscitation, shock, choking and anaphylactic shock.
• Be able to demonstrate that there is nothing in their past which would suggest that they are unsuitable to care for children (usually via a CRB check).

Approval is valid for twelve months.