Peuteracademie Imelda

Strengths

• Strong pedagogical practice with a sensitive, responsive approach to children
• Well-embedded pedagogical policy and work plan
• Correct deployment of pedagogical policy staff member for early childhood education
• All childcare professionals hold the required certificates and Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)
• Immediate willingness on the part of the operator to improve

Shortcomings

• Documentation of break times and replacement coverage in staff schedules needs to be clearer
• Policy on afternoon breaks must be explicitly included in the pedagogical work plan
• Stricter monitoring of litter on the outdoor play area before and during opening hours

Violations

• Compliance with the staff-child ratio for early childhood education (1:8) not guaranteed during afternoon breaks on multiple days
• Staff schedules and attendance records insufficiently transparent to verify compliance with staff-child ratio
• Safety and health policy not followed: litter on outdoor play area not removed before outdoor play as stipulated in the action plan

Summary

The annual inspection of Peuteracademie Imelda in Rotterdam presents a mixed picture. The pedagogical practice is strong: staff work sensitively and responsively with children, respecting their autonomy while providing clear structure. The pedagogical policy and deployment of the pedagogical policy staff member for early childhood education are in order. However, three significant shortcomings were identified. First, the required staff-child ratio of 1 to 8 for early childhood education is not always met, particularly during afternoon breaks on certain days. Second, the staff schedules are insufficiently transparent to verify ratio compliance because break times and replacement coverage are not clearly indicated. Third, there is a violation of the safety and health policy: litter on the outdoor play area was not cleared in a timely manner according to the action plan. The operator took immediate action on all points: schedules have been adjusted, the policy on afternoon breaks has been added to the work plan, and litter is being monitored more strictly. The Municipal Health Service (GGD) advises the municipality of Rotterdam to proceed with enforcement.