Childcare and Schools in Amsterdam

An Insider’s Guide to Living in Amsterdam

This Amsterdam relocation guide has been designed with the explicit intention to provide expats and travellers with all they need to know about moving to Amsterdam.

This exciting chapter covers Childcare and Schools.

There’s a huge choice when it comes to childcare and schools in Amsterdam. From Preschool all the way through to secondary schools, your kids are going to get the best education they can get. Your choices of schools may well have an affect on their path to Higher Education.

To make this easier for you, we’ve put together this chapter which will highlight the school options that you can take advantage of while you’re in Amsterdam.

Be advised that some schools (especially preschools) may have long waiting lists so it is best to register your child as early as possible.

5.1 Preschool Childcare

Preschools in Amsterdam take the form of playgroups and daycare centres. For children aged two and a half to four years old they can experience specialised educational programmes that focus on language as well as social, physical and creative development. They all sing, play and listen to stories as they begin their learning journey. Preschool is not compulsory though it is most certainly recommended.

Preschools always work in conjunction with a primary school in order to make the transition easier on the child as they progress to group 1 and 2.        

Childcare Centres

Day Centres and creches provide special areas for babies and toddlers where they can be looked after throughout the day. Employers should help towards childcare payments with vouchers or something of the sort but they are not legally obliged to. Some will be free whether other will change depending on your income. The children will be kept to a strict timetable for eating, playing and sleeping, so you don’t have to worry about them not getting into a routine. Most daycare facilities are open from 08:00 to 18:00, giving working parents like yourselves the ability to schedule your day.

Childminders

A good idea is you want your children to be looked after on an intermittent basis. Costs will obviously vary on the childminder but something sensible can be arranged with amicable negotiation. The childminder can either look after your children in their house or your house. The choice is yours.