A closure or municipal intervention at a childcare location rarely comes out of the blue. As a parent, you can often see it coming. What are the red flags and warning signs you should look out for—both when choosing a location and when your child is already attending?
Why Does the Municipality Close a Childcare Location?
The municipality only intervenes in cases of serious or structural violations of laws and regulations. Think of repeated safety deficiencies, insufficiently qualified staff, or staffing levels that are structurally below the legal standard. The Municipal Health Service (GGD) identifies these problems during inspections and advises the municipality on measures. Closure is the most severe measure and usually only happens after multiple warnings and a recovery period that is not utilized.
The municipality also considers the severity of the risk to children. An incidental administrative error does not lead to closure, but systematic failure in child supervision does. The childcare location is always given the opportunity to improve through a recovery plan. Only if that doesn't help does enforcement follow.
How Common Are Closures?
Closures are rare. Most childcare locations comply with the rules or recover promptly after a warning. Each year, several dozen locations are closed due to serious violations. Much more common is a location voluntarily shutting down after persistent problems, for example due to staff shortages or financial distress. This is often just as frustrating for parents, as it means they suddenly and immediately need to find alternative childcare.
What's in the GGD Inspection Reports?
Every childcare location is inspected at least once a year by the Municipal Health Service (GGD). Their findings are recorded in a report, which is publicly available. It states exactly which requirements were checked and whether the location meets them. The inspection looks at pedagogical quality, safety, hygiene, staff qualifications, and compliance with the staff-to-child ratio.
When deviations are found, the GGD describes what is wrong and what the deadline is for recovery. Sometimes a re-inspection follows to check whether the location has improved. The report thus provides not only a snapshot but also insight into how a location handles feedback.
How to Read This Report
The reports are long and often difficult to read. Fortunately, on Kiddie you'll find a summary and scorecard for every location, so you can see at a glance whether there are deficiencies or violations. It's important to distinguish between different types of violations. An administrative error is usually harmless, whereas a violation related to safety is a serious warning sign. It's also important to look for recurring violations—this signals deeper problems. You may then wonder, does this location really have its affairs in order?
Want more information about reading the GGD report and which violations matter? Read more here.
When Should You Take Action?
Does your child attend a childcare location, and have you read about violations in the GGD report? Take action if a location has repeatedly committed the same violations or when it involves a serious violation, especially regarding safety or staffing. Also if there is an enforcement recommendation—this means the municipality is considering intervention. Unsure about the severity? Call the GGD or ask the location itself for an explanation. A transparent childcare provider is happy to explain what happened and how it was resolved.
Red Flags During a Tour
During a tour, you can pick up on many things that aren't in a report. Pay attention to how staff interact with children: are they present and engaged, or busy with their phones? Ask about staff turnover. Constantly changing staff is a warning sign of instability. Check whether there is sufficient staff present for the number of children.
Look at the condition of the rooms. Loose electrical outlets, sharp edges, or a dirty diaper changing area are direct safety risks. Ask how incidents are handled and whether someone with pediatric first aid is always present. A location should have a clear answer to this. Trust your intuition: if something feels off, it often is.
What If Your Child Already Attends?
Even after your child is enrolled, stay alert. Do you notice your child becoming withdrawn or no longer wanting to go to childcare? Talk with your child at an age-appropriate level about their day. Watch for changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Sometimes these are normal phases, but sometimes they are signs of discontent.
Stay in touch with other parents. They may notice things you miss, or vice versa. Discuss your concerns with the manager. A professional childcare provider takes feedback seriously and communicates openly about how they address it. If you're brushed off or don't get clear answers, that is itself a red flag.
Concrete Steps You Can Take as a Parent
Start by checking the GGD inspection report before registering. Note down questions and ask them during the tour. Take photos of the rooms (just ask permission first) so you can compare at home. Ask about the pedagogical policy and how it is implemented in practice. A beautiful plan on paper means nothing if it isn't followed.
Don't register immediately at the first available location with an opening. Take time to compare two or three options. A good match between your expectations and the childcare provider's approach prevents disappointment later. Establish agreements about communication: how often will you receive updates and how are incidents reported?
Organizations You Can Contact
Have serious safety concerns? Contact the GGD in your region. They can carry out an additional inspection. In case of acute danger, call the municipality or police directly. For questions about your rights as a parent, you can turn to Boink, the parents' association for childcare. They offer free advice and support in disputes.
The National Ombudsman is a last resort if you are not heard by the childcare provider or municipality. Always document your contacts: who did you speak with, when, and what was agreed? This helps if you later need to demonstrate that you raised concerns.
Get Started
Finding good childcare starts with thorough research. Check the GGD inspection report, ask pointed questions, and stay involved even after registration. On Kiddie.nl you'll find all childcare locations in your area with their inspection reports. This way you compare not only on location and price, but also on quality and safety. Because ultimately, it comes down to one thing: a place where your child feels safe and can develop.