Following a UK-wide review, the updated NOS for Health and Social Care and Children’s Care Learning and Development are now available to browse and download on the Skills for Care and Development website.
This suite of NOS describes the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to work in the social care and early years and childcare sector to a nationally recognised standard of good practice.
The NOS have been developed by standard setting organisations across the UK, in partnership with employers, workers, people with lived experience and other stakeholders.
As part of the revision process, the language has been simplified to better reflect current practice. Where appropriate, NOS have been combined to remove duplication and gaps in content have been identified and addressed.
There are 151 NOS. Each standard includes the performance criteria and knowledge required for good practice.
The 2026 revisions emphasise the importance of themes such as:
trauma informed practice
dignity, kindness and compassion
participation and decision making
neurodiversity
sustainability.
Four new NOS have also been added. These are:
Supervise and support others
Promote play
Lead the effectiveness of teams
Lead the use of digital technology.