The costs for after-school care (BSO) are rising sharply in 2026, with major differences visible between municipalities. This is evident from an analysis by Redactie24. For many working parents, this means a larger share of the family budget will go toward childcare.
Regional differences in pricing
The price increases for BSO are not uniform everywhere. Some municipalities are seeing rates rise by a considerable percentage, while others are keeping the increase more limited. These differences arise because municipalities and childcare organizations set their own rates within the frameworks established by the government.
The rising costs are linked to several factors:
- Rising personnel costs due to wage increases in childcare
- Higher accommodation costs for childcare locations
- Inflationary pressure on energy and food
- Investments in quality improvement and pedagogical staff
What does this mean for parents?
For parents in the Netherlands, this development has direct consequences, even though these are Belgian figures. The Dutch childcare system has comparable mechanisms: the government pays part of the costs through the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag), but parents pay an income-dependent contribution themselves.
Key points of attention for Dutch parents:
- Check your childcare benefit annually — when costs rise, your entitlement to benefit may change
- Compare BSO rates in your region, also between different providers
- Pay attention to the contract type — some organizations use fixed prices, others adjust annually
- Inquire with your employer about childcare arrangements or tax benefits
In the Netherlands, the amount of childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) is determined by combined household income, the number of childcare hours, and the number of children in care. When prices rise significantly, it may be worthwhile to do a new trial calculation via the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst).
Trend of rising costs continues
The increase in BSO rates fits a broader trend. In recent years, childcare costs in both Belgium and the Netherlands have risen structurally, while demand for places continues to grow due to increasing labor participation among parents. The combination of working and caring for school-age children makes BSO indispensable for many families.
The large differences between municipalities underscore the importance of transparency in rates. Parents would be wise to look not only at pedagogical quality when choosing a BSO, but also to compare total costs on an annual basis — including any extras for holiday care or extended hours.