Out-of-school care during school holidays operates differently from regular after-school care. Instead of just a few hours after school, many out-of-school care locations offer a full day program during holidays, from early morning until late afternoon. This is specifically intended for working parents who do not have enough leave to be at home for the entire holiday. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about holiday care in Amsterdam.
What is the difference between regular after-school care and holiday care?
Regular out-of-school care looks after children after school, usually between 15:00 and 18:30. Holiday care is a more extensive variant that runs all day, often from 8:00 to 18:00 or 19:00. The program is also different in content: instead of a short afternoon of free play, there is a full day filled with activities, outings, and workshops.
Another important difference is the atmosphere and structure. In holiday childcare, everything revolves around a theme or adventure that connects the entire holiday period. Children experience something new every day, while the fixed daily structure simultaneously provides calm and security. This makes holiday childcare much more than an alternative to a babysitter: it is a real experience for your child.
The opening hours also differ. Regular after-school care follows the school schedule. Holiday childcare adapts to the holiday rhythm of working parents, with longer opening hours that align with a full workday.
What does my child do all day at holiday childcare?
At high-quality holiday childcare, every day is filled with a varied program of creative, sports, and educational activities. Think of craft workshops, outdoor play, dance, music, and real trips to museums, zoos, or city parks. The program is designed to keep children active, curious, and cheerful.
A good holiday program often works with an overarching theme. This gives the week a common thread and makes activities more meaningful for children. They learn about cultures, nature, art, or science through play, depending on the central theme.
In addition to the activities, there are set times for rest, eating, and free play. A structured daily schedule ensures that children do not become overstimulated, but also do not get bored. Hot meals and healthy snacks are included with many providers, so parents do not have to worry about lunches or snacks.
How flexible is the holiday childcare option?
Most holiday childcare providers offer flexible booking, allowing you to book individual days or weeks without a long-term contract. This is ideal if, as a parent, you also have part of the holidays off and only need childcare on the days you work.
Flexible attendance means you are not tied to a fixed number of days per week. You choose which days your child attends, tailored to your work schedule or holiday plans. Some providers work with a type of holiday card that allows you to use days or weeks as needed.
When booking, keep in mind that popular weeks can fill up quickly, especially during the summer holidays. It pays to reserve early, even if you don't yet know exactly which days you need. Many locations offer the option to specify which days you wish to book later.
How much does holiday childcare cost and am I entitled to childcare allowance?
The cost of holiday childcare varies by provider and city, but on average, expect a daily rate that is higher than a regular after-school care day due to the more extensive program and longer opening hours. In Amsterdam, daily rates for holiday childcare typically range between 60 and 100 euros per day, depending on the provider and the services offered.
Good news: in many cases, you are entitled to childcare allowance, including for holiday care. The Tax and Customs Administration reimburses part of the costs if the care takes place at a registered childcare organization. Always check whether the provider is registered in the National Childcare Register (LRK), as this is a condition for receiving the allowance.
The amount of your allowance depends on your income and the number of hours you work. You can use the Tax and Customs Administration website to calculate what you pay net. Many parents are surprised at how affordable holiday childcare ultimately turns out to be once the allowance has been deducted.
Can my child also go to childcare during the holidays without a fixed childcare spot?
Yes, with most providers, holiday care is also accessible to children who do not have a permanent place at that organization. Holiday care is separate from regular daycare or out-of-school care and does not need to be tied to an existing contract. As a new parent, you can simply register for the holiday period.
This is precisely one of the major advantages of holiday childcare: it is easily accessible. Do you normally have a different solution for your child, but find yourself in a difficult situation during the summer holidays? Then holiday childcare is the perfect solution, without having to commit to anything for the long term.
Some providers even offer the option of a trial day, so your child can get acquainted with the location and the team before the holiday really begins. This lowers the barrier for both the child and the parent.
How do I choose the right holiday childcare in Amsterdam?
When choosing holiday childcare in Amsterdam, you consider a combination of practical and substantive factors. The location relative to your work or home, opening hours, age group, registration in the LRK, and the content of the program are all relevant considerations.
- Check whether the provider is registered in the National Childcare Register.
- Ask about the daily program and if there are any actual excursions.
- Check if the location is accessible and if the opening hours fit your workday.
- Inquire about the possibility of taking days flexibly.
Word-of-mouth recommendations from other parents at school are often the most reliable source. Ask around in your network about other parents' experiences with holiday childcare in your neighborhood. Reviews and visits to the location will give you a good sense of the atmosphere and the quality of the supervision.
Also consider the group size and supervision. Smaller groups mean more personal attention for each child. A good ratio between supervisors and children makes a big difference in how pleasant and safe your child experiences the holiday.
How KleintjeZuid helps with after-school care during the school holidays
During all school holidays, we offer a fully supervised holiday program at our after-school care locations in Amsterdam Zuid, Rivierenbuurt, and Museumkwartier. The program is open to all children, even if you are not yet a regular customer. Our locations are open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, ensuring you are taken care of and your child has something to do every day.
This is what our holiday program specifically offers:
- An adventurous theme per season with educational, creative, and sports workshops
- Real trips through Amsterdam, to places like Artis, NEMO, and the World Museum
- Flexible usage via our holiday flex card, per day or per week, without a long-term contract.
- Daily hot meals and guidance by permanent pedagogical professionals
Curious how KleintjeZuid can guide your child's development? Read more about our pedagogical approach or contact us. We are happy to help you find a suitable place for your upcoming holiday. Discover everything about childcare in Amsterdam South and feel free to schedule an introductory meeting.
