The former police station on Dunantstraat in Borne is being converted into a childcare location. Local news platform Borne Boeit reports that the site will be named 'Ontdekken' — Dutch for 'Discover' — and will be set up as a place where children can play and develop.
From badge to building blocks
Turning a police station into a childcare location is a striking change of use. Vacant government buildings across the Netherlands are increasingly being repurposed for community needs, and childcare is a natural fit given the persistent demand for places in many municipalities.
Borne is a municipality in the Twente region with just over 23,000 residents. As in many other Dutch municipalities, the availability of childcare places here is under pressure — driven by growing demand and the government's announced reform that will make childcare largely free for working parents.
What does this mean for parents?
For parents in and around Borne, the opening of a new childcare location is a welcome addition to the local offering. When choosing a childcare place, it is worth keeping a few things in mind:
- Waiting lists: New locations often attract a surge of registrations quickly, but start without an existing waiting list. Register your child early if you are interested.
- Childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag): Parents who work or study may be eligible for childcare benefit through the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst), which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection: All childcare locations in the Netherlands are inspected by the GGD. Inspection reports are publicly available through the National Childcare Register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang/LRK).
- Pedagogical approach: During a tour, ask to see the location's pedagogical policy plan to understand how they support children's development and wellbeing.
Further details about the opening date, the age groups to be catered for, and the number of available places have not yet been announced based on current reporting. Borne Boeit is continuing to follow developments around the new location.