Is there a legal heat protocol for childcare in the Netherlands?
There is no separate law that specifically mandates a heat protocol for childcare. However, daycare centers (kinderdagverblijven/KDVs) and after-school care (BSO) are indeed required to take measures during extreme heat. This obligation stems from the safety and health policy that every childcare provider must maintain. The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) publishes guidelines for childcare during heatwaves, but these are not legally binding. As a result, practices vary: some childcare providers work with detailed protocols, while others rely on their team's judgment.
What does the Childcare Innovation and Quality Act (Wet IKK) require regarding heat and safety?
The Childcare Innovation and Quality Act (Wet IKK) requires childcare organizations to provide a safe and healthy environment. This means that indoor temperature and air quality must remain within reasonable limits. During extreme heat, this falls under the general duty of care. The law does not specify maximum temperatures or mandatory actions, but it does require childcare providers to assess and manage risks. A well-developed heat protocol for childcare is therefore the most practical way to meet this legal obligation. When taking a tour, ask specifically how the childcare provider handles hot days—not just whether a protocol exists.
How does the Municipal Health Service (GGD) check if a childcare provider complies?
The Municipal Health Service (GGD) conducts annual inspections on safety, health, and hygiene. During these inspections, the inspector also examines the safety policy, including how the childcare provider handles extreme weather conditions. Does the GGD inspection report mention temperature regulation or lack of shade? That is a signal that the policy is not watertight. You can view the GGD inspection report of your daycare center yourself via the National Childcare Register. When reading it, pay specific attention to remarks under the themes 'accommodation' and 'safety and health'.
How does a heat protocol work in practice?
A good heat protocol goes beyond 'opening the windows'. It sets clear threshold values, such as at what temperature the daily routine changes, and who makes important decisions. Parents should be informed about this in advance, preferably via the parent app or email. Ask about the protocol during registration and whether you may review it.
Adjusting the daily routine during extreme temperatures
During heatwaves, many daycare centers move activities to the early morning or late afternoon. The hottest hours are used for rest, indoor activities, or sleep. Outdoor play then only happens in the shade, with short sessions and sufficient drinking breaks. Most childcare providers have air conditioning or fans, but some rely mainly on water, closed curtains, and limited movement. Ask during a tour how the group rooms are cooled and whether there is a plan if the indoor temperature exceeds 25 or 30 degrees Celsius. Babies are less able to regulate their body temperature, so caregivers must be even more careful with them.
Food and drink during warm days
Sufficient drinking is the most concrete component of any heat protocol. Children aged 1-4 need more fluids on warm days than they often indicate themselves. A good daycare center offers water continuously, not just at mealtimes. Some childcare providers serve extra fruit with high water content, such as watermelon or cucumber. Ask how this is arranged: do children get the chance to drink themselves, or is it offered to them? The new 'Schijf van Vijf' (Dutch food guide) emphasizes hydration, including in childcare.
What does BOinK say about heat protocols in the sector?
BOinK, the sector association for childcare, has established guidelines for its members regarding a written heat protocol. This protocol must at minimum describe: when it is activated, what measures are taken for indoor and outdoor activities, how hydration is ensured, and how communication with parents is handled. BOinK emphasizes that protocols must be tailored. A childcare provider in an old building without insulation faces different challenges than a new-build location. Not all childcare providers are affiliated with BOinK, so the absence of a protocol does not automatically mean a provider is acting irresponsibly, but it is a useful tool to assess whether a provider handles heat professionally.
How to check your childcare provider's safety policy
You don't need to be an expert to assess whether a daycare center is well prepared for heat. Ask concrete questions during the tour or intake interview. Inquire about the heat protocol, how often it is evaluated, and whether there is a contact person for severe weather. Look around yourself: are there sufficient shaded areas outside, do the ventilation grilles work, and is there a cool place for sleeping children? Also check the GGD inspection report for safety aspects. A childcare provider that is transparent about its policy generally also demonstrates quality in other areas.
Get started
The coming summers are expected to be more intense, not less. Knowing how your childcare provider handles heat now prevents surprises in July or August. Bring up the topic at your next parent meeting or tour. On kiddie.nl, you compare childcare providers on safety, GGD ratings, and practical aspects such as accommodation and policy. This way, you choose with the full picture in mind.
