The Ministry of Health is aiming to update Bermuda’s childcare standards and is urging the public to provide feedback.

A six-week public consultation period will launch on October 1 with parents, childcare providers and others able to review the draft standards and put forward their thoughts online at forum.gov.bm.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “The ministry’s review is focused on strengthening protections and ensuring that the standards governing childcare reflect the level of care and safeguarding that Bermuda’s youngest children deserve.”

Formal childcare standards were introduced in 2018 for both home‑based providers and daycare centres, outlining best practice across key areas, but a ministry spokeswoman said requirements had evolved.

The new standards are intended to offer updated guidance on curriculum, developmental activities, equipment and the appropriate integration of digital and learning materials.

The amendments will also provide enhanced support for providers, including continuous learning opportunities and updated safety, health and infrastructure benchmarks.

The spokeswoman said: “These standards are designed not only to protect children but also to guide professional daycare providers and operators and support parents in identifying licensed environments that meet or exceed high‑quality care.

“As more providers and operators meet these updated benchmarks, the ministry will explore quality‑driven strategies to safely expand daycare capacity across the island, providing direct support to working parents who depend on accessible, high-quality and reliable care.”