More parents receive childcare allowance

Last year, 462 thousand parents in the Netherlands received a childcare allowance, 77 thousand more than in 2007. Total costs of childcare amounted to 3.2 billion euro; parents received 2.6 billion euro in compensation. The corresponding amounts for 2007 were 2.4 and 1.9 billion euro.

Childcare allowance recipients

More allowances for care provided by registered childminders

The number of parents receiving an allowance for care provided by a registered childminder was 118 thousand, i.e. 37 thousand more than in 2007. The number of parents receiving an allowance for out-of-school care increased by 33 thousand to 176 thousand. Some 272 thousand parents received an allowance to pay for care provided by day care centres. Combinations of various types of childcare are relatively common. Last year, 67 thousand parents received an allowance to pay for care provided by day care centres and out-of-school care.

462 thousand parents receive childcare allowance

Last year, 462 thousand parents received a childcare allowance; 716 thousand children (131 thousand more than in 2007) were involved. Most children are looked after in day care centres. Care provided by registered childminders is the fastest growing form of childcare.

The number of children in out-of-school care rose by 50 thousand to 252 thousand of whom 28 thousand switched to day care centres when reaching primary-school age. This is an increase by 4 thousand relative to 2007.

Number of children in formal childcare

Bart Huynen