Core childcare group and basic childcare group

In the Netherlands, childcare is provided in day nurseries, playgroups and out-of-school care facilities. The children are organised into either core childcare groups (at day nurseries and playgroups) or basic childcare groups (at out-of-school facilities). The size of a group depends on the age range.

Core childcare group

Core childcare groups are fixed groups, each with its own group space. During the week, a child will not use more than two different group spaces. Children can leave the core childcare group to take part in activities. The rule regarding the maximum size of the core childcare group will then be temporarily disregarded.

Basic childcare group

Basic childcare groups at out-of-school facilities are not linked to a particular group space. Children use various spaces.

Basic quality of childcare

Rules on the basic quality to which child care has to comply, including the size of the basic childcare group, are laid down in the Policy Rules on the Quality of Childcare and Playground Facilities 2012 (Beleidsregels kwaliteit kinderopvang en peuterspeelzalen 2012).