GBV 77
Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee
Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill : Stage 1
Response from: NDNA Cymru
4 September 2014
Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill – NDNA Cymru evidence to stage 1 consultation
NDNA Cymru believes the Bill should be amended to ban physical punishment of children in Wales by removing the ‘reasonable punishment’ defence.
The National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government have supported giving children ‘equal protection’ for over a decade, understanding that it is a human rights imperative under the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The Assembly should use its devolved power to act on this matter now by including measures in the Bill.
We strongly support the Bill’s overall intention to create a stronger and more consistent focus on prevention of violence between family members. However, whilst physical punishment of children remains legal there can be no consistency of approach in either prevention or protection.
Existing measures to ban physical punishment in childcare settings would support the culture change driven by this amendment that using violence of any kind to control or punish others, whatever their age, is never acceptable. Childcare providers are required to comply with the Child Minding and Day Care (Wales) regulations 2010 which state that no measure of control, restraint or discipline which is excessive, unreasonable or contrary may be used at any time on relevant children. All childcare providers must have a behaviour management policy and parents must be made aware of this in their contract.
About us
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is the nationally recognised charity representing day nurseries throughout the United Kingdom, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children. NDNA is the voice of the nursery sector, an integral part of the lives of nearly one million children and their families. NDNA works closely with local and national government to develop an environment in which high quality early years education and care can flourish. NDNA Cymru supports and represents day nurseries across Wales.
For more information on NDNA please visit our website at www.ndna.org.uk
NDNA Cymru
Crown House
11 Well Street
Ruthin
Denbighshire LL15 1AE
Contact: Sandra Welsby, National Manager (Wales)
T: 01824 707 823