Gjalt Jellesma, a well-known voice in the Dutch childcare sector, has stated that smaller childcare organizations are more prone to incidents than larger providers. The claim was reported by trade publication Kinderopvangtotaal.
Why might smaller organizations be more vulnerable?
Although the full details of his remarks are limited, the claim ties into a broader debate within the sector. Smaller childcare organizations typically have fewer resources for internal quality control, staff supervision, and managing absences. In a small team, a single employee calling in sick can have an immediate impact on the quality of care and safety within the group.
Larger organizations often have dedicated HR departments, internal confidential advisors, and more structured protocols for reporting and handling incidents. This makes it not only easier to identify problems, but also to respond to them effectively.
Oversight and inspection
The Municipal Health Service (GGD) oversees all childcare locations in the Netherlands, regardless of the size of the organization. In practice, however, there are differences: smaller providers sometimes have less formal structure around protocol compliance and record-keeping. The Education Inspectorate and local municipalities also play a role in enforcement, but capacity for frequent inspections is limited.
The debate around quality differences between large and small providers is nothing new. There have long been calls for a more differentiated approach to oversight — one that gives more room for risk-based inspections. In practice, this means directing more attention to locations where the likelihood of problems is greater.
What does this mean for parents?
For parents searching for childcare, this is a relevant signal — though 'smaller' does not automatically mean 'worse'. There are countless small childcare locations that do excellent work. Still, it is worth keeping the following points in mind when choosing a provider:
- Check the GGD inspection report for the location via the National Childcare Register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang/LRK) or on Kiddie.nl. This gives you insight into any shortcomings and how the organization has addressed them.
- Ask about protocols around safety, staff absences, and incident reporting.
- Ask about staffing arrangements: how does the organization handle staff absences?
- Pay attention to the pedagogical policy statement and whether it reflects day-to-day practice.
Jellesma's remarks highlight the importance of transparency in the sector. Parents deserve clear information to make an informed choice — regardless of the size of the provider.