Childminding location set-up requirements

A childminder (gastouder) is responsible for looking after children in a family situation. In the Netherlands, a childminder may offer childcare at their home address or at the child's own home. A childminder can offer childcare at multiple home addresses.

As a childminder you have to be listed with a registered childminding agency. And you must be registered in the Register for persons active in the childcare sector (Personenregister kinderopvang, PRK). This also applies to adults with whom you share the location.

Requirements for a childminding location

Locations for childminding must satisfy different legal requirements:

• There is a separate sleeping area or bedroom for children younger than 18 months.
• There is enough playing space inside and outside.
• The home is completely smoke-free.
• There are enough functioning smoke alarms.

The childminding agency checks each year if the childminding location meets the requirements. Every year, the childminding agency conducts a risk assessment & evaluation (RI&E) focused on the working conditions of the childminder. The RI&E must always be up to date. If there are any changes at the childminding location, a new RI&E must be drawn up. For example, after a renovation.

Multiple childminders at 1 address

If the child is being minded at their own home, more than one childminder may be registered there. However, they must work there on separate days or times.