The quality of childcare in the Caribbean Netherlands has improved in various areas since 2023. At most locations, the quality is progressing step by step. This is the conclusion of the Inspection of Education following the third inspection round in 2024. Based on the annual inspection report, childcare organizations are working together with the BES(t) 4 kids program to further improve quality. This ensures that every child is cared for in a safe and healthy environment, where their development is playfully stimulated.
In 2024, the Inspectorate of Education (hereinafter: the inspectorate) visited 80 locations for daycare, out-of-school care and host parent care. This was done in collaboration with local inspectors on the three islands. They investigate whether these locations meet the requirements in the areas of administration, personnel and accommodation, whether they are safe and healthy for children, and whether the children are sufficiently stimulated in their development. The inspectorate also assesses whether the management of the childcare centres is focused on improving quality.
The findings
The quality of childcare at the locations has again improved further in various areas over the past year. An increasing number of professionals have the required level of education and annually attend a first aid training for children. In addition, the quality of the activity program and play materials, the insight into the development of the children, the pedagogical-educational actions and the collaboration at various locations have improved. Approximately a quarter of all locations meet (almost) all requirements in the areas of administration, personnel, accommodation, safety and health.
At many locations, however, the quality needs further improvement. For example, at more than a quarter of the locations, there is not an adult present every day who is qualified to provide first aid to children. The indoor and outdoor spaces of the childcare locations are also not always safe, accessible and appropriately furnished. At almost a fifth of the locations, the development of children is still insufficiently stimulated, or the children are not treated in a positive manner.
The follow-up
The inspectorate visits all childcare locations every year to monitor the quality. Following the annual inspection round, all childcare locations receive an advisory report with the points that are going well and those that need improvement. They can receive support from, for example, pedagogical coaches or twinning partners from the BES(t) 4 kids program.
The BES Childcare Act is expected to come into effect on January 1st, 2026. From then on, all locations must meet all quality requirements. If a location does not meet the safety and health requirements, the childcare provider will receive a remediation order with a short remediation period. Where necessary, the inspectorate will advise on enforcement, for example by imposing a fine. In acute, serious cases, the care facility can be closed (temporarily).
The full inspection report can be found on the website of the Inspection of Education. The response from the State Secretary of SZW (Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment), Jurgen Nobel, can be read here.