Leende and Korein: lessons for future-proof childcare

What can the Leende closure and Korein's challenges teach us? Discover the lessons for future-proof childcare and find out what you can do as a parent.

February 26, 2026•By Redactie regionaal nieuws

Leende and Korein: lessons for future-proof childcare

Key takeaways

Closures like the one in Leende have a profound impact on children and families.
Staff shortages are the biggest threat to continuity of care in the childcare sector.
Small-scale childcare in rural communities is valuable but economically vulnerable.
Choosing a stable childcare provider protects your family from unwelcome surprises.
The 2029 childcare reform has the potential to put the sector on a more stable financial footing.

Korein closes in Leende: what does this mean for parents?

On 17 April 2026, the Korein location at multifunctional centre De Schammert in Leende will close its doors. The lease is ending because primary school De Triangel needs the space, and Korein has been unable to find an alternative location. This leaves the Brabant village without its only daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV).

What exactly is happening?

Korein currently offers both daycare and after-school care (BSO) at De Schammert. The daycare will close entirely on 17 April. For the after-school care (BSO), there is still a possibility that the lease may be extended temporarily. Parents have been informed, but now need to look for alternatives outside the village — such as locations in Heeze or Valkenswaard.

This is not the first time Korein has made headlines. In 2022 and 2023, the organisation was forced to temporarily close several groups due to staff shortages. This is an industry-wide issue: thousands of vacancies remain unfilled across the childcare sector, and workloads are high.

Why is this a bigger problem?

What is happening in Leende is not an isolated case. Small-scale childcare locations in villages are inherently vulnerable. The combination of rising costs, staff shortages, and declining child numbers makes it increasingly difficult to keep childcare running in smaller communities. And yet, that is precisely where it matters most: when the only local option disappears, parents face longer commutes and children lose a familiar, trusted environment.

What can you do as a parent?

Looking for childcare near Leende? There are other providers active in the municipality of Heeze-Leende, such as Kinderopvang Strik and Kids World. On Kiddie.nl, you can compare locations, view Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection reports, and read reviews from other parents.

Register early. Waiting lists can be long. The sooner you start looking, the more options you'll have.
Have a backup plan. Sign up at multiple locations and know your alternatives in neighbouring municipalities.
Ask about staff stability. High staff turnover is a warning sign. Stable teams mean better, more consistent care.
Check the GGD inspection reports. Repeated violations are a sign of structural problems.

Will things improve?

The Dutch government is working on a new funding system that will make childcare nearly free: a 96% reimbursement, regardless of income, paid directly to childcare organisations. This could bring greater stability to the sector — but whether it will be enough to save small village locations remains to be seen.

For now, the best advice is: choose carefully and explore multiple options in your area. Because childcare isn't a luxury — it's what keeps families going.

Compare childcare options near you at Kiddie.nl.

Frequently asked questions

What are my rights if my childcare location closes?

If your childcare location is closing, the organisation has a duty to inform you: they must notify you clearly and in good time about the closure and what it means for your child. You are entitled to information about the notice period and any refund of costs paid in advance. It is also worth asking whether the organisation can help you find an alternative place, for example at another of their locations. Start searching as soon as possible via Kiddie.nl, as waiting lists elsewhere may already be long.

How can I tell whether a childcare provider is financially stable and future-proof?

There are a few signs to look out for. A well-occupied location with low staff turnover is a positive indicator. It is also worth checking the publicly available Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection reports: repeated violations or recurring issues can be a sign that an organisation is struggling. Transparent communication with parents is another good sign. On Kiddie.nl, you can view GGD reports and parent reviews to get a clearer picture of any location.

What does the 2029 childcare reform mean for the stability of childcare?

From 2029, the government will cover 96% of childcare costs for all working parents, regardless of income. Payments will be made directly to childcare organisations rather than through a benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) to parents. This is intended to create more stable funding for the sector and prevent repayment demands. Whether it will also prevent closures in smaller communities or among struggling providers is still uncertain — but it does significantly increase financial security for the sector as a whole.

Is it a good idea to register my child at multiple childcare locations?

Yes, especially if you live in an area with long waiting lists or if you have doubts about the stability of a particular location. Registering at multiple locations costs nothing, but gives you far more options. Once you have secured a good spot, you can simply withdraw from the other waiting lists. Via Kiddie.nl, you can quickly find and compare multiple locations near you, giving you a clear overview of what is available.

What can you do as a parent to support childcare in your village or neighbourhood?

As a parent, you have more influence than you might think. Consider joining the parent committee: it has a statutory right to advise on matters such as opening hours, fees, and educational policy. Show your appreciation to the staff and the organisation — an engaged parent community makes a location more resilient. And if you hear that a location is under pressure, raise it with your local council: local politicians can sometimes step in with subsidies or alternative premises to keep a location open.

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