The municipality of Woerden has introduced a new subsidy for BSO+ (Buitenschoolse Opvang Plus). The scheme specifically targets after-school care (BSO) for children who need extra care and support.
What is BSO+?
BSO+ is a specialized form of after-school care (BSO) for children with developmental delays, behavioral challenges, or disabilities. These children often cannot attend regular after-school care because greater expertise and smaller groups are needed. BSO+ offers a safe environment with trained staff who can specifically respond to these children's needs.
In the Netherlands, BSO+ is not a standard part of the childcare system. While regular after-school care is funded through the Childcare Act and the child-related budget, specialized care often falls through the cracks. This means parents of children who need BSO+ frequently face high costs or find the service completely inaccessible.
Subsidy as solution for gap in the system
The new subsidy from the municipality of Woerden fills a structural gap in the Dutch childcare system. Under the Childcare Act, parents are entitled to childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) for regular after-school care, but children who need more intensive support often fall outside this framework. Municipalities have the freedom to introduce supplementary schemes for youth support and special care.
By making a specific BSO+ subsidy available, Woerden is making this form of care financially more accessible for families who desperately need it. This aligns with the broader trend of municipalities increasingly taking the initiative to better coordinate childcare and youth support.
What does this mean for parents?
For parents in Woerden with a child who is eligible for BSO+, this subsidy could mean relief from financial pressure. Without such schemes, costs for specialized care can run into hundreds of euros per month, while regular after-school care is largely covered by benefit.
Parents who believe their child may qualify for BSO+ would be wise to contact the municipality of Woerden or their current childcare organization. Important to know:
- The subsidy is specific to Woerden; parents in other municipalities fall under different schemes
- An indication or referral from youth support is often required
- Not all childcare organizations offer BSO+; check with your current provider or the municipality
Woerden's move could also serve as a signal for other municipalities to review their own offerings in this area. For many families, BSO+ remains an unreachable service despite the recognized need.