New rules for childminding

Are you a childminder or do you run a childminding agency? The rules for childminding will change. This change in law will improve the quality of childminding and aims to make becoming a childminder more attractive.

What changes?

Stricter quality standards: the pedagogical requirements for daycare and out-of-school care will also apply for childminding. This means you have to create a safe and stimulating environment for children.

No more than 2 child minding agencies: you can join at most 2 childminding agencies. Do you want to change agencies? In that case you are allowed to be temporarily registered with 3 agencies. Current contracts with parents remain valid.

Your own children: your own children up to 8 will count towards the maximum number of children you can look after. Currently children up to 10 must be included.

Childcare benefit for childminders: Are your own children looked after by another childminder? If so you can apply for childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag). Currently this only applies to daycare and out-of-school care.

Mandatory coaching and training: Your agency must supply you with at least 3 hours of pedagogical coaching each year. You will also need to follow training and work with a pedagogical work plan.

For whom?

• childminders
• childminding agencies

When?

This change in the Childcare Act is expected to enter into effect on 1 July 2026.

Please note: The effective date of this measure is not yet final. Entry into force is subject to its passing through the Lower and Upper Houses (Tweede en Eerste Kamer) of parliament. After publication in the Staatsblad or Staatscourant (Government Gazette, in Dutch) the law can take effect.