The standards have been developed from the point of view of those actually using the services

Cathy Jamieson Education Minister

This legislation, which also sets national standards of care for Scotland's elderly people, was passed by the Scottish Parliament last year.

The regulations will be policed by a new Care Commission, which comes into existence on 1 April.

Three new sets of care standards will be introduced to cover the way young children are treated in nursery schools, play clubs and residential schools and by registered childminders.

These will cover issues such as safety, health and hygiene, the training of staff, appropriate education and the need for enough space and playtime.

'Common themes'

The minister launched the standards at Hamiltonhill Family Centre in Glasgow on Monday.

"I want to see high quality care services with consistent standards, and a robust system of regulation and inspection to oversee them," said Ms Jamieson.

"These new care standards are based on common themes - building services shaped around the needs of children and young people, providing appropriate support to help them succeed, and ensuring safety and protection measures are there when needed.

"Most importantly, the standards have been developed from the point of view of those actually using the services."