Objectives and accessibility

Both childminder agencies and childminders are inspected (checked) by the GGD. The inspection of a childminder agency is done annually and childminders are inspected randomly. 

All requirements for childminders are set out in the Childcare Act. The Innovation and Quality childcare act (wet IKK) does not apply to childminders.

Requirements for childminders and child ratios

The main requirements for childminders (gastouders) are:

• They must be 18 or older
• Correct diploma or certificate. There is a list of diplomas (in Dutch) that satisfy the requirements
• Registered and valid first aid for childeren certificate. The diploma's original and the first aid certificate must be available on the childminding premises.
• A certificate of good conduct (VOG) with screening profile 84 (caring for minors) or 86 (working in the childcare sector). This applies to everyone who works or lives on the premises where you take care of the children.
• Registration in the register for persons active in the childcare sector. This applies to everyone who works or lives on the premises you take care of the children.
• Registration with a childminding agency that is registered in the Dutch National Childcare and Playgroup Register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang en Peuterspeelzalen, LRKP)
• Knowledge of the pedagogical policy plan,  health and safety policy and the child abuse protocol of the childminding agency and must act accordingly
• Childminding location meets the set-up requirements
• Dutch language is spoken when childminding

Registered childminders are given a maximum number of children that they can care for at any one time. The number of children at a time depends on their ages.

• Maximum of 6 children aged 0 to 13 at any one time
• Maximum of 5 children up to 4 years of age at any one time
• Maximum of 4 children up to 2 years old at any one time
• Maximum of 2 babies (up to 1 year old) at any one time

Registered childminders are an attractive option for parents who work irregular hours, live in rural areas or prefer their child to be cared for in a domestic setting. Under the Childcare Act a registered childminder provides flexible childcare in a family setting. This is arranged through childminder agencies , which act as brokers between parents and childminders.