Frequently asked questions

Our daycare centers and out-of-school care are open every weekday, with the exception of national holidays and a few additional closing days. Our playgroups are closed on national holidays and during school holidays.

In 2024, our locations will be closed on the following national holidays:

• New Years Day - Monday 1 January 
• Easter - Monday 1 April
• Ascencion Day - Thursday 9 May 
• Whit Monday - Monday 20 May 
• Christmas - Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December

Extra closing days daycare and out-of-school care 2024

• Day after Ascension Day - Friday 10 May. This day only applies to the day-care centres in Hilversum. Out-of-school care employees who wish to attend a training day, aimed at intensifying the cooperation together with the school to which they are attached, can choose a different closing day for a training day with the school. If this is not the case, 10 May will be the closing day.  
• Christmas and New Year period - Monday 23, Tuesday 24 and Friday 27 December
• Study day for employees of our day-care centres and out-of-school care. You will hear from your location manager on which date your location is closed (May 30 or June 13).

Adjusted opening hours 2024 head office

• Friday May 10, 2024 - closed 
• Monday, December 23, 2024 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 24, 2024 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Friday, December 27, 2024 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

*In case of emergency, the head office can be reached for location managers during normal opening hours.

View our closing days for 2025 here.

Our daycare centers and out-of-school care are open every weekday, with the exception of national holidays and one additional closing day. Our playgroups are closed on national holidays and during school holidays.

In 2024, our locations will be closed on the following national holidays:

• New Years Day - Monday 1 January 
• Easter - Monday 1 April
• Ascencion Day - Thursday 9 May 
• Whit Monday - Monday 20 May 
• Christmas - Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December

Additional closing day 2024 (day-care and after-school care)

In 2024, a study day for the employees of our daycare centers and out-of-school care centers will be organized on Wednesday, June 5.

View our closing days for 2025 here.

After the date on which the agreement is signed, you have 14 days to deliberate and may revoke the agreement without cause or notice.

You can do this by sending an email to planning@binkkinderopvang.nl. Incidentally, you are entitled to determine how you wish to revoke the agreement. If the agreement starts within 14 days of signing, the right of withdrawal does not apply. In that case, the regular cancellation conditions apply.

Yes. The cancellation fees Bink charges, depend on the date of termination. There are different cancellation fees for each type of childcare. You will receive an overview of the cancellation fees together with the agreement.

We charge different rates for our care. All information can be found on our website. You can easily make a test calculation yourself on the Tax Authorities' website.

View our pricing list here.

You can (partly) terminate your agreement via the form below. Please keep a month’ notice into account. The termination is valid only after you have received a confirmation of the termination.

• Go to the parent portal and then to the 'Account' page.
• Then click on 'Contracts'. You will then see the active contracts on the second tab.
• You can cancel an active contract. Click on the 'cancel contract' button.

Payments are made by direct (preauthorised) debit. On the 28th of the month preceding the relevant month of childcare, Bink collects the amount from your account. The invoice amount is to be paid before the 1st of the relevant month of childcare. You will receive a monthly invoice either per email or mail. Every year in February, you will receive an annual statement. The tax authorities pay the childcare allowance for the following month on the 20th of the month.

Parents who both work are eligible for childcare allowance. In the following situations you can get childcare allowance if you do not work:

• If you are under 18, are on social security and undergoing training;
• If you do a work-study programme, receive no social benefit and have no employer;
• If you take a compulsory integration course at a certified institution;
• If you do a work-study programme;
• If you are a student.

For further information, visit www.toeslagen.nl or www.belastingdienst.nl

Yes, we require a month’ notice. You can terminate a place at the daycare centre, playgroup or out-of-school care on any working day of the month.

You are only eligible for a contribution towards the cost of childcare when you work in your partner’s business without any compensation.

As the tax authorities mean by work that you:

• are employed by an employer;
• work in your partner’s business without any compensation;
• have income from business;
• have income from other activities, for instance as a freelancer or an artist;
• take part in a reintegration programme via your employer.

An occasional extra childcare day or exchange day can be requested via the parent portal. You can read more about this in the FAQs for childcare and after-school care. An occasional extra childcare day or exchange day is assessed by the location manager.

Yes, when your child is absent due to illness or holidays, the monthly payments of the costs will continue. We kindly request you to inform the staff of the location when your child will not be present. One is not entitled to exchanging childcare days.

Yes, all our daycare centres, playgroups and out-of-school care facilities fall under the Child Care Act (Wet kinderopvang).

This Act applies to all childcare registered in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang (National Register Child Care): (international) daycare for children aged 0 to 4, (extended) care for children aged 2 to 4, out-of-school care (including care during holidays) for children aged 4 to 13 and before-school-care for children aged 4 to 13.

You can request a structural change of childcare days by using the form below. You can indicate whether you want to change or extend your childcare days. Based on availability, we will check whether we can approve your request. If there is no availability, we will put your request on the waiting list. You will receive a confirmation of this by e-mail.

• Go to the parent portal and then to the 'Account' page.
• Then click on 'Structural applications'. You will then see an overview of your structural applications.
• You can make a new request by clicking on the plus button at the top right.

You do not pay for our closing days, as we have no personnel expenses on these days. These expenses, by the way, specify 70% of our rates. You do, however, pay for holidays, as on these days our personnel expenses continue. If we did not charge these days, the costs would have to be spread over fewer days a year, with the result that the hourly rate would increase.

Moreover, it may be good to know that we divide the annual rate by 12 months, thus invoicing the same amount and the same number of childcare hours every month. So we work with average childcare hours per month. If you apply for childcare allowance, you can pass the same number of hours to the tax authorities for a whole year. This is not only easier, but often also more advantageous for you.

It is not possible to switch closing days and holidays. Closing days are not charged and therefore cannot be switched. As for holidays, we cannot offer these as ‘switch days’, because we do not have enough availability. Besides, the GGD (Area Health Authority) does not allow us to accommodate more children than the allowable group size, so you can only switch days if the group size allows this and only in the same week, the week before or after.

All Bink’s daycare centres, playgroups and out-of-school care facilities are registered in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang.

Parents have been only entitled to childcare allowance when they make use of childcare registered in the LRK. Further information can be found on www.landelijkregisterkinderopvang.nl. The registration number of your location can be found on our website under the location of your child.

As of January 1, 2024, the rate for the five equal school days will be equalized with the hourly rate for the short afternoon, i.e. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. For children who started at Bink before January 1, 2024, we will do this within two years. As a result, you may pay a different rate for one child than for the other.

The rate for the five equal school days was introduced when the first schools started with five equal school days. It was expected that this would increase childcare on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. In practice we see that this is not the case. Most parents need childcare on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The rate for the five equal school days is therefore not cost-effective. For this reason, it has been decided to equalize the rate for the five equal school days with the hourly rate for the short afternoon.

A feeling of safety and serenity in the group is very important to us. It is for this reason that we welcome your child for a minimum of two days a week in our daycare centers. In some cases, for example on a day or in a location that fewer children attend, it may be possible, following consultation, to deviate from this policy. At playgroups the number of half-days depends on the group your child will attend. Groups in which they work with early childhood education programmes apply a different number of half-days than groups without this programme. For our out-of-school care we apply the rule of a minimum utilization of one day a week.

This varies per location and sometimes per group. To avoid disappointments, it is important that you register your child as soon as possible. You can do this via the registration form, or by calling customer advice: 035 683 44 99 (between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.). We have immediate availability at some locations, see this page.

This may differ per location. Our customer advice staff will inform you about the care options available at the location of your choice. Curious about which location has immediate availability? View this page.

Bink applies a minimum period of childcare of three months. This minimum period also applies when your child switches from one location to another one.

Many parents want to know where they stand and call us with this question. As a result, the waiting time on the phone has increased considerably. Unfortunately, we really cannot comment on this and there is no point in calling or emailing us.

We will contact you as soon as there is a place for your child. Should the situation arise that you no longer want a place on the waiting list, we would of course be happy to hear from you.

The word 'waiting list' gives the impression that, like at the bakery, people are helped in order of entry. Unfortunately, childcare cannot be planned that way. All sorts of factors come into play. Consider laws and regulations, social indication, age range of the group, available days and if the child is a sibling. So the place on the waiting list does not say much about the waiting period.

We will contact you as soon as there is room for your child. Unfortunately, it is not possible to say when exactly. There is no point in calling or emailing us about the status of the waiting list. Should the situation arise that you no longer want a place on the waiting list, we would of course be happy to hear from you.

Due to the staff shortage in childcare, the waiting time for childcare has increased considerably. We fully understand that this is frustrating for parents. Where possible, we do our best to accommodate parents. Should there be partial availability on the days you requested childcare, or space on other days, we will let you know as well.

Yes, children who move on from our nurseries and playgroups have priority over new children. However, siblings are not guaranteed a place, as more factors come into play. Such as available days or a social indication.

We will contact you as soon as there is a place for your child. Should the situation arise that you no longer want a place on the waiting list, we would of course be happy to hear from you.

Yes, we have a priority arrangement for siblings. However, siblings are not guaranteed a place, as more factors come into play. Such as age, the available days or a social indication.

We will contact you as soon as there is a place for your child. Should the situation arise that you no longer want a place on the waiting list, we would of course be happy to hear from you.

As soon as we have a place for your child, we will let you know. For the daycare centre and the after-school centre, we aim to inform you no later than six months before the requested childcare date, and for the playgroup no later than three months. If you do not hear anything, this means that we do not (yet) have a place available.

For our daycare centres, ou-of school care and playgroups you can register online or contact our customer service employees via 035 683 44 99 between 9 a.m. and 4. p.m. They can immediately look at the availability and establish whether this matches your requirements. 

If your answer is not in the Jaamo manual or you have another question/need extra help, please contact us at: jaamovragen@binkkinderopvang.nl.

You will find all the answers to your questions in the manual. Can't figure it out? Please contact our customer advisors.

Read the manual.

Yes, during the introductory meeting we will discuss with you the best way for your child to feel at home at the daycare. Your child will get used to the daycare center during the first few days. We gradually increase the number of hours from the start date of the agreement. So keep in mind that you cannot immediately make full use of the day(s) of care. Please note that you must remain available for your child during the settling-in days.

For many babies, the transition from home to day-care is quite a big one. Your baby will have to get used to different carers, new sounds and smells, and a different bed. Together with you, we want to make sure your baby quickly feels at ease with us. This flyer will explain how you can start helping your baby at home to make the transition to day-care centre easier.

Of course, we would like to offer all children a suitable place immediately. In practice this does not always work. There are several reasons for this. For example, we have to deal with legislation and regulations, social indications, age classification of the group, the available days and/or cancellations. Sometimes certain locations or certain days are very popular, which means we cannot immediately meet all requests.

Yes, if a place is or becomes available at the desired location, you are more than welcome to come by. During a tour, you will hear more about our childcare and will get a good impression of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Call our client advisors to make an appointment via 035 683 44 99.

You can register your child for daycare as soon as the expected date of birth is known. Our customer advice staff will contact you to discuss the options for your child.

As soon as we have a place for your child, we will let you know. For the daycare centre, we aim to inform you no later than six months before the requested childcare date. If you do not hear anything, this means that we do not (yet) have a place available.

We are continuously developing our pedagogical quality and have therefore revised our pedagogical policy in 2020. We have updated our nutrition policy to be adapted to the current day-and-age. The insights about nutrition, and the idea of a healthy diet, are constantly evolving. Our nutritional policy is based on the Schijf van Vijf (Wheel of Five), created by the Voedingscentrum (Dutch Nutrition Centre). We select seasonal fruit and vegetables as much as possible and offer biological dairy and eggs. From now on we do not offer meat products.

View our flyer here with more information about our nutritional policy.

No, the admittance of your child at the daycare centre will stop on the day your child turns four. If you wish to make use of out-of-school care, you can register your child for this via the parent portal from the moment your child is 2 years old and your (provisional) choice of school is known. Your choice of school is important because each school is linked to one of out-of-school care facilities.

Exchanging or requesting extra days is a service we offer whenever possible. The group size, composition, and number of available pedagogical staff must allow for it. The location will decide whether exchanging a day or extra childcare is possible.

The word ‘sign-up list’ may give the impression that, like at the bakery, people are helped in order of entry. Unfortunately, childcare cannot be planned that way. All sorts of factors come into play. Consider laws and regulations, social indication, group age grading, available days and whether the child is a sibling. In other words, the date of registration does not say much about the waiting period. 

At some locations, however, there is room for your child immediately, due to the fact that sometimes a place becomes available that has not yet been applied for. Whether we can offer childcare depends on the age of your child and the days you are looking for childcare.

Should the situation arise that you no longer wish to be registered, please let us know.

You can register your child for out-of-school school care from the moment your child is 3 years old and your (provisional) choice of school is known. Your choice of school is important because each school is linked to one of out-of-school care facilities. If your choice of school (or your preferred childcare days) changes, please let us know as soon as possible. The date you communicate the change will then become your new registration date.

The word ‘sign-up list’ may give the impression that, like at the bakery, people are helped in order of entry. Unfortunately, childcare cannot be planned that way. All sorts of factors come into play. Consider laws and regulations, social indication, group age grading, available days and whether the child is a sibling. In other words, the date of registration does not say much about the waiting period. 

At some locations, however, there is room for your child immediately, due to the fact that sometimes a place becomes available that has not yet been applied for. Whether we can offer childcare depends on the age of your child and the days you are looking for childcare.

Should the situation arise that you no longer wish to be registered, please let us know.

If you make use our out-of-school care, you will receive a number of discretionary days each calendar year. You can use these day(s) for childcare during holidays and non-teaching days (subject to availability). By exception, and only if staffing and childcare capacity permit, you can use the discretionary days as an extra day during school weeks. You request the days via the parents' portal.

Exchanging or requesting extra days is a service we offer whenever possible. Your child can get out-of-school care on an extra afternoon if the group size and staffing permits.

You have to apply via the parent portal. This afternoon will be deducted from the number of discretionary days for holidays and teachers’ seminars and will not be invoiced. If you have no discretionary days left, this extra day will be charged. View our price list for the hourly rate charged for this.

Yes, during the introductory interview, we will decide together what will be the best way for your child to feel at home at the location

At the after-school care, a child will acclimatise at least once. Please note that you must remain available for your child during the settling-in days.

Exchanging an out-of-school day is possible provided there is space available for an extra child in the group on the requested day and that the group is not already too full. In addition, sufficient employees must be available. The location will decide whether exchanging a day or extra childcare is possible.

Yes, you are more than welcome to come by. During a tour, you will hear more about our childcare and will get a good impression of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Call the out-of-school location directly to make an appointment.

As soon as we have a place for your child, we will let you know. For the after-school centre, we aim to inform you no later than six months before the requested childcare date. If you do not hear anything, this means that we do not (yet) have a place available.

We are continuously developing our pedagogical quality and have therefore revised our pedagogical policy in 2020. We have updated our nutrition policy to be adapted to the current day-and-age. The insights about nutrition, and the idea of a healthy diet, are constantly evolving. Our nutritional policy is based on the Schijf van Vijf (Wheel of Five), created by the Voedingscentrum (Dutch Nutrition Centre). We select seasonal fruit and vegetables as much as possible and offer biological dairy and eggs. From now on we do not offer meat products.

View our flyer here with more information about our nutritional policy.

VE stands for "voorschoolse educatie" early childhood education. Some children are given a VE-indication by the child healthcare centre. This might be due to special circumstances at home or due to a language delay. Your child is then offered a special programme at the toddler playgroup, with the supervision your child requires. For example, extra attention is paid to language. Movement and play are also focussed on. Your toddler usually attends four half-day sessions, instead of two. Parents pay a parental contribution for two half days, and no contribution for the other two half days.

Yes, during the introductory interview, we will decide together what will be the best way for your child to feel at home at the location. At the playgroup a child will acclimatise at least once. Please note that you must remain available for your child during the settling-in days.

The word ‘sign-up list’ may give the impression that, like at the bakery, people are helped in order of entry. Unfortunately, childcare cannot be planned that way. All sorts of factors come into play. Consider laws and regulations, social indication, group age grading, available days and whether the child is a sibling. In other words, the date of registration does not say much about the waiting period. 

At some locations, however, there is room for your child immediately, due to the fact that sometimes a place becomes available that has not yet been applied for. Whether we can offer childcare depends on the age of your child and the days you are looking for childcare.

Should the situation arise that you no longer wish to be registered, please let us know.

Our playgroups are closed on national holidays and during school holidays. 

• Christmas holidays - Monday December 25, 2023 to Friday January 5, 2024
• Spring break - Monday February 19 to Friday February 23 
• Easter Monday, Monday April 1
• May holiday, Monday April 22 to Friday May 3
• Ascension Day, Thursday May 9
• Whit Monday, Monday May 20
• Summer holidays, Monday 22 July to Friday 30 August
• Autumn holidays, Monday October 28 to Friday November 1
• Christmas holidays, Monday December 23, 2024 to Friday January 3, 2025.

Montessori-Zuid playgroup is also closed on Good Friday, Friday, March 29, and the day after Ascension Day, Friday, May 10. The playgroup is open extra on Wednesday, March 27 and May 8.

You can register your child for a playgroup from your child's first birthday.

Bink has one English-language playgroup: International Playgroup in Hilversum. This gaming room is located on the grounds of IPS Hilversum. VE is not used here.

We prefer to see children at least two half days a week at our playgroups. Only at playgroup Montessori-Centrum in Hilversum one half day of care is possible.

Yes, all of Bink’s playgroups fall under the childcare Law (Wet kinderopvang). It is therefore possible for you to be eligible to receive childcare tax refunds or a subsidy from your municipality, depending on your personal financial situation. Another regulation applies for Parents whose child attends the English speaking International Playgroup. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance when applying for childcare income tax refunds or for a subsidy from your municipality.

We are continuously developing our pedagogical quality and have therefore revised our pedagogical policy in 2020. We have updated our nutrition policy to be adapted to the current day-and-age. The insights about nutrition, and the idea of a healthy diet, are constantly evolving. Our nutritional policy is based on the Schijf van Vijf (Wheel of Five), created by the Voedingscentrum (Dutch Nutrition Centre). We select seasonal fruit and vegetables as much as possible and offer biological dairy and eggs. From now on we do not offer meat products.

View our flyer here with more information about our nutritional policy.

Yes, you are more than welcome to come by. During a tour, you will hear more about our childcare and will get a good impression of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Call the toddler playgroup directly to make an appointment.

As soon as we have a place for your child, we will let you know. For the playgroup, we aim to inform you no later than three months before the requested childcare date. If you do not hear anything, this means that we do not (yet) have a place available.