Kinderopvang Vrije Vogels

Strengths

• The pedagogical policy is well implemented in practice, including daily outdoor activities
• All staff members hold appropriate qualifications and meet the IKK language requirement
• The safety and health policy is comprehensive and is continuously evaluated with the team
• Sufficient indoor space and sleeping areas for all children
• Good organization of outings with clear safety rules

Violations

• The outdoor play area of 44 m² does not meet the legal requirement of 3 m² per child (minimum 120 m² for 40 childcare places). The municipality has issued a tolerance decision for this with additional conditions.

Summary

Kinderopvang Vrije Vogels in Den Haag is a daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) with 40 registered childcare places, divided across three core groups for children aged 1 to 4 years. The location has been operating since 2005 and is characterized by its strong focus on nature experiences; children go outdoors daily to the beach, forest, or park. The annual unannounced inspection by the Municipal Health Service (GGD) shows a predominantly positive picture. The pedagogical climate, staff and groups, safety and health, and indoor spaces all meet legal requirements. One violation was identified: the outdoor play area of 44 m² is too small for 40 childcare places (legally required: 3 m² per child). The municipality of Den Haag was aware of this and has formalized it in a tolerance decision (OCW/2019.314) with conditions, including an outdoor play protocol and a maximum of 14 children outside at the same time. These conditions are being met.