A New Era of Transparency: CIW’s Inspection Ratings Are Here
In a move that’s shaking up the Welsh childcare sector, Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) has officially launched its long-anticipated Inspection Ratings System — and it’s already creating ripples across providers and families alike.
What’s Changed?
As of April 1st, 2025, all childcare and play providers in Wales are now rated across four key themes:
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Well-being
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Care and Support
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Leadership and Management
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Environment
Each theme receives one of four ratings:
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Excellent
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Good
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Requires Improvement
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Requires Significant Improvement
These ratings must be displayed publicly on-site and online, giving parents a clear, visual indication of the quality of care their children can expect.
The Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) has introduced a new rating sysytem for social care services, similar to the CQC's in England. This system, implemented in April 2025, requires providers like care homes and domicillary care services to publish their inspection ratings online and in their premises.
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Purpose:To provide a transparent and consistent way for the public to assess the quality and safety of social care services.
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Scope:Applies to regulated social care services, including care homes and domiciliary care services.
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Rating Domains:Services will be rated on key themes like well-being, care and support, leadership and management, and the environment, similar to the CQC's approach.
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Publication:Inspection ratings will be published on the CIW website and in the premises of the regulated services.
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Pilot Programme:The CIW previously ran a pilot program with "silent" (unpublished) ratings to assess the effectiveness of the new system.
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Compliance:Providers are expected to comply with the new regulations and publish their ratings, and the CIW will respond to non-compliance through various measures.
Why It Matters
For years, parents in Wales have relied on word-of-mouth, vague inspection summaries, or lengthy reports when choosing a nursery or after-school club. Now, they’ll be able to instantly compare services at a glance, helping to make more informed decisions.
For providers, it’s an opportunity — and a challenge. The transparency brings greater accountability, but also a powerful incentive to raise standards, share best practices, and be proud of what they do.
A Push for Quality
CIW says the new system isn’t just about highlighting what’s going wrong — it’s about celebrating what’s going right.
“The new ratings are designed to build trust, boost transparency, and most importantly, help us all improve. We want to shine a light on excellence,” said a CIW spokesperson.
For high-performing settings, an “Excellent” badge could become a major marketing asset. For others, the system provides a roadmap for improvement.
What Happens Next?
Over the coming months, CIW inspectors will apply the new system during their routine visits. Providers will be encouraged to:
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Discuss their ratings with staff and parents
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Display them clearly both on premises and online
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Use the feedback to create meaningful action plans
Ratings will also start appearing in CIW’s public directory, making it even easier for families to browse high-quality providers.
Final Thoughts
This change signals a bold step forward for childcare in Wales. By making quality visible, CIW is empowering both parents and providers. And while some settings may feel the pressure, most will welcome the clarity and direction it brings.
For parents, it means peace of mind.
For providers, it’s a new benchmark.
For the sector, it’s a collective push toward excellence.
If you're a childcare provider and unsure how to prepare for the new inspection framework, now’s the time to review your internal processes, align with the CIW themes, and get ready to show off your strengths.
Want help preparing your team or communicating your rating to families? Get in touch — we’re happy to support you.
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