CIW National Minimum Standards 2026 Audit Tool

CIW National Minimum Standards Audit Tool updated with the 2026 standards

Save time, evidence compliance clearly, and stay inspection-ready with this easy-to-use CIW National Minimum Standards Audit Tool for regulated childcare and day care settings in Wales.
This Excel-based audit tool is designed to help settings review their compliance against the CIW National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare, identify areas for improvement, and keep a clear record of evidence and actions.
Perfect for nurseries, childcare managers, registered persons, responsible individuals, and leadership teams who want a practical way to monitor standards throughout the year.
What’s included
• A structured RAG audit format covering CIW National Minimum Standards
• Drop-down ratings for:
• R – Non-compliant / Immediate action required
• A – Partially compliant / Needs improvement
• G – Compliant
• N/A – Not applicable
• Space to record:
• Evidence
• Where documentation is stored
• Actions required
• Who is responsible
• Timescales for completion
• A clear dashboard summary showing:
• Overall compliance score
• Rating counts
• Immediate action items
• Improvement items
• RAG summary chart
• Guidance sheet explaining how to use the audit tool
• Audit details section for setting name, CIW registration number, date completed, reviewer, and review date
Why use this tool?
This resource supports settings to:
• Prepare for CIW inspections
• Review compliance systematically
• Evidence strengths and areas for development
• Track improvement actions
• Support leadership, governance, and quality assurance
• Keep audit information organised in one place
The tool is editable, allowing you to adapt evidence, actions, and notes to suit your own setting.
Ideal for
• Day nurseries
• Childcare settings in Wales
• CIW registered settings
• Managers and deputy managers
• Registered persons and responsible individuals
• Quality assurance leads
• Childcare consultants and improvement partners
Please note
This resource is intended as a practical self-audit and quality assurance tool. Settings should always refer directly to the latest CIW and Welsh Government guidance to ensure they are working from the most up-to-date requirements.