Childcare at your child's primary school sounds like the obvious solution, but in practice it's a little more complicated than you might expect. Does every primary school have after-school care? And what about a daycare center? This article explains your options and what to look out for.
Does every primary school offer childcare?
No. Primary schools are not legally required to provide or arrange childcare themselves. However, since 2007, schools have been required to facilitate an offer of childcare when parents request it. In practice, this means they must ensure there is an after-school care (BSO) provider with whom parents can arrange a contract. This does not have to be on the school premises, and the school is not required to guarantee the quality or cost of that care.
In reality, this means one school may have its own after-school care that connects seamlessly with the school day, while another simply refers you to a nearby provider. Always check with your chosen school what the current situation is, especially if your child hasn't enrolled yet. The childcare arrangements can change from one school year to the next if a provider closes or a contract ends.
Childcare at a primary school: benefits and limitations
For many parents, combining school and childcare in one location is an appealing idea. Your child doesn't need to be transported from one place to another, the environment is familiar, and the handover between school and childcare is quick and easy. That sounds convenient — and it is — but the type of childcare that works alongside a primary school varies greatly depending on your child's age.
Daycare center at a primary school
A daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) is designed for children aged 0 to 4. Some primary schools have a daycare center in the same building or on the same grounds, sometimes as part of a broader community school or integrated children's center (IKC). This has real advantages: your child grows up in an environment that will later become their school setting, which can make the transition to Year 1 smoother. The childcare provider can also align their educational approach with that of the school, helping to prepare children more purposefully for primary school.
There are limitations too. A daycare center housed in a school building doesn't automatically mean more space, better staff, or lower fees. Quality depends on the organization running the care, not the building it's in. A daycare center within a school can also mean a busier, noisier environment. Pay close attention to the atmosphere and layout of the space during any visit.
After-school care on the school grounds
After-school care (BSO) is available for children aged 4 to 12, before and after school and during holidays. An after-school care setting located on or directly next to the school grounds has one major practical advantage: no travel time. In many cases, the childcare professionals collect your child directly from the classroom. You don't need to be there for pick-up, and your child doesn't have to wait for a parent or a ride to another location.
That said, there are drawbacks. After-school care on school premises sometimes has limited space for activities, since the school building takes priority. During any visit, ask how much dedicated space the after-school care has, whether there is its own outdoor area, and what the daily schedule looks like after school. An after-school care setting squeezed into a corner of the gym offers a very different experience from one with its own entrance, dedicated group rooms, and a secure outdoor play area. It can also be beneficial for children to feel like they're in a new environment after school, so that after-school care doesn't feel like a continuation of the school day.
What if there's no space at the school's after-school care?
Waiting lists for after-school care — whether at a school or elsewhere — are common. Childcare that is based within a primary school often fills up faster than care at an external location. If no place is available, you have a few options.
First, consider whether on-site childcare is truly the right fit for your family. If it is, add your child to the waiting list — but also look for an alternative at the same time. Waiting for a spot that may never open up is not a strategy. Second, look into after-school care providers near the school that have pick-up arrangements in place. Many organizations have agreements with local schools and handle collection themselves. Ask the school directly which after-school care providers they work with or are aware of — schools often have an up-to-date list, even when there's no formal partnership.
Benefits of childcare outside the school
Childcare outside the school can actually offer its own advantages. Your child is in a different environment, which means after-school care is less likely to feel like an extension of the school day. There is often more room for a wider or different range of activities than what's possible on school grounds — think themed after-school programs focused on sports, arts, or other specific interests. Location can be a plus too: an external childcare setting might be closer to home or to your workplace, making drop-off and pick-up more practical.
Location is one factor, but it's not the only one. Think about the educational philosophy, the space and facilities, the range of activities on offer, and the cost. Ultimately, you're choosing childcare that suits your child and your family — and the best fit may well be somewhere other than the school building. On Kiddie.nl, you can compare all childcare locations in your area across all of these factors, so you can be confident you're making the right choice.
