What it means in practice — for English-medium, Welsh-medium, and bilingual settings
The Active Offer isn't about being fluent in Welsh. It's about proactively offering Welsh language services — without waiting for someone to ask.
This guide explains what CIW actually expects, practical steps for any setting, and how to document your approach for inspection.
Enter your email and we'll send you the PDF + practical tips on Active Offer compliance.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Used by 200+ Welsh childcare settings.
The Active Offer is the principle that Welsh language services should be provided proactively — without someone having to ask for them. It comes from More than Just Words, the Welsh Government's strategic framework.
Providers naturally anticipate the needs of Welsh speakers. They do not wait for a person to ask for a service in Welsh. Being able to use your own language is a core component of care — not an optional extra. The Active Offer is framed as a matter of rights, not preference.
The Active Offer applies to every registered childcare and play provider in Wales — with no exemptions.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "Only applies to Welsh-medium settings" | Applies to ALL registered providers |
| "Doesn't apply in areas with few Welsh speakers" | CIW is proportionate but you still need to show you've considered Welsh language needs |
| "Need fully fluent Welsh speakers" | CIW says "Being able to say a few words in Welsh can go a long way" |
| "Not inspected closely" | Reviewed at every inspection, across all four themes |
| "There's a checklist to follow" | No prescribed format — CIW looks for genuine, proportionate engagement |
The Active Offer is assessed across all four CIW inspection themes:
Children engage freely in Welsh and English. Welsh speakers feel confident using Welsh. The setting reflects Welsh language and culture.
Examples: Bilingual rhyme time, Welsh and English books, Welsh cultural celebrations, Welsh language visible in play environment.
Children's language needs identified at registration. Welsh-speaking children allocated Welsh-speaking staff where possible. Daily communications available bilingually.
Examples: Registration forms ask about home language, daily diaries in Welsh, bilingual newsletters.
Physical environment reflects Welsh language and culture. Bilingual signage. Welsh resources available and not just decorative.
Examples: Bilingual signage throughout, Welsh-language books/games/puzzles, Welsh posters/maps/cultural artefacts.
Senior leaders actively promote Welsh language. Welsh language reviewed in annual quality of care review. Recruitment considers Welsh skills. Statement of Purpose describes the approach.
Examples: Statement of Purpose includes Welsh language section, SASS addresses Welsh, job adverts note Welsh as desirable.
When a new Responsible Individual is registered, CIW will ask specifically about their understanding of the Active Offer.
Simple Welsh greetings at drop-off and pick-up.
Shows families you value Welsh language.
Doors, coat pegs, toilets, play areas.
Rhymes like 'Pen, Ysgwyddau, Coesau, Traed' are easy for all staff.
This is the single most impactful document change.
Ask about home language(s).
Make it a standing section in your annual review.
Self Assessment of Service Statement should cover Welsh capacity.
Shows CIW you're thinking about recruitment.
Welsh books, games, puzzles, cultural items.
Newsletters, updates, daily diaries.
Say Something in Welsh (free), Cymraeg Gwaith, college courses.
A formal document showing your roadmap.
Local Mentrau Iaith, Mudiad Meithrin.
Build capacity over time.
Must include: current Welsh language capacity, how you identify and respond to Welsh needs, how you promote Welsh language and culture, plans to develop provision.
If this says nothing about Welsh language, CIW inspectors are instructed to note this absence specifically.
Include a section on Welsh language and culture as part of your quality review.
Welsh language needs reviewed as part of the annual review. Include as a standing section.
Note each child's home language and Welsh language needs. Where a child is a Welsh speaker, evidence should show this influenced care delivery.
Welsh language and culture embedded throughout the year — not just at St David's Day.
This is common — and CIW knows it. They don't expect fluency. They expect effort and evidence.
Be honest about your current capacity.
Show awareness even if capacity is limited.
Training, recruitment, resources.
Bilingual signage, Welsh resources, cultural celebrations.
'Bore da', 'Da iawn', 'Diolch' — these count.
Free online course. Popular with childcare staff. saysomethingin.com/welsh
Workplace Welsh language training. Contact your local authority.
Professional courses for the childcare sector.
May offer funded Welsh language training for childcare staff.
CIW does not give a separate rating for the Active Offer. Evidence is folded into the four inspection theme ratings.
See how Wootzoo's bilingual platform helps you evidence the Active Offer at inspection.
Book a 15-Minute DemoNo pressure. No hard sell. Just a quick walkthrough for Welsh settings like yours.
Yes. It applies to every registered provider in Wales, regardless of language medium. CIW is proportionate — they don't expect fluency, but they expect evidence of engagement.
That's OK. CIW expects acknowledgement, effort, and a plan. Use basic Welsh phrases, bilingual signage, Welsh resources, and document your approach in your Statement of Purpose.
No. Evidence is assessed across all four inspection themes: Well-being, Care and Development, Environment, and Leadership and Management.
Update your Statement of Purpose to include a section on Welsh language. This is the document CIW inspectors check first, and its absence is noted specifically in inspection reports.