From 1 July 2026, a new quality framework for childminder/host parent care (gastouderopvang) will come into effect. The Dutch government is thereby setting new requirements for both childminders themselves and the host parent agencies that mediate and supervise them. The measures fit within the broader policy to structurally improve the quality of childcare in the Netherlands.
What is changing?
Although the full details of the quality framework have not yet been extensively published, the amendment follows earlier changes to the Childcare Act. The new requirements will likely focus on several pillars:
- Elevated pedagogical quality standards – stricter requirements for training, professional development, and competence of childminders
- Strengthened role of host parent agencies – greater responsibility for recruitment, selection, supervision, and quality monitoring
- Improved oversight and monitoring – more structured evaluation of care quality
- Transparency towards parents – clearer information about who provides the care and under what conditions
Context: childminder/host parent care in the Netherlands
Childminder/host parent care (gastouderopvang) is a widely chosen form of childcare, particularly for parents who prefer small-scale care in a home setting. Unlike daycare centers (kinderdagverblijf/KDV), childminders fall under the mediation of a host parent agency, which also handles administration and part of the quality monitoring. The care usually takes place at the childminder's home.
The sector has made various quality improvements in recent years, including the mandatory VOG, basic training courses, and the current quality framework. The new 2026 requirements build further on these.
What does this mean for parents?
For parents who use childminder/host parent care (gastouderopvang), or are considering it, the amendment brings both certainty and possible consequences:
- Higher quality guarantee – the likelihood of well-trained, professionally supervised childminders increases
- Possible cost increase – if agencies and childminders must invest in training and systems, this may be reflected in the hourly rate
- Check your current contract – ask your host parent agency how they will implement the new requirements and whether this will affect your care
- Pay attention when making new choices – compare agencies not only on price, but also on how they fulfil the quality requirements
The implementation date of 1 July 2026 gives agencies and childminders ample time to prepare. Parents would be wise to already inquire about the consequences of this change during their next conversation with the host parent agency.
Source: Rijksoverheid.nl