Your child at Paddington
We’re happy to show you what you can expect when your child starts at Paddington Laren or Paddington Hilversum. Let’s begin at the beginning.
The intake meeting
During the first settling-in moment in your future group, we hold an intake meeting where you get to know the childcare professional(s) of that group. You’ll receive information about the daily routine at Paddington, and we’d love to hear everything about your child. From personal characteristics to nutrition.Â
Settling in
Your child comes for two half-day settling-in sessions. These moments are important, because discovering a new environment and seeing unfamiliar faces can be quite exciting. Babies get used to the sounds in the group and the voices of the childcare professionals; older children get to know the professionals and the other children in the group. They can explore the room and become familiar with the daily rhythm. During these sessions, your child is welcomed, guided, and put at ease by the childcare professional.
Flexible childcare
Need to be at work early once and want to bring your child a bit earlier? Do you need an extra day of care, or would you rather swap a day? We provide childcare between 07:00 and 18:30, and in consultation a lot is possible. And it’s very easy: just send us an email and we’ll think along with you.
Horizontal groups at Paddington childcare
At both Paddington Hilversum and Paddington Laren, we work with horizontal (age-based) groups. This means your child plays and connects with other children who are in the same developmental stage. In Laren, our groups consist of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. In Hilversum, in addition to the baby/toddler group and the preschool group, we also have one vertical group (0–4 years).
At the start and end of the day, and during holidays, children may stay in a central group that varies in age. This helps older children learn to be considerate of the younger ones, and younger children learn from the older ones.
Daily rhythm
Each group has its own daily rhythm and its own activities. Click the buttons below to open the relevant daily schedule for your child’s age.
Activities and themes
Every two weeks we introduce a new theme, and we adapt our activities accordingly. Activities may include reading stories, storytelling, circle-time conversations about the theme, crafts, drawing, counting, yoga, sports, dancing, singing, picnicking, baking cookies and bread, playing games, and working with different materials. Of course, we tailor activities to each group. With the 1+ children, for example, we practise extra words, and the 3+ children get additional educational assignments. Alongside organised activities, children also regularly have the opportunity to play freely, choosing an activity or game themselves.
Healthy food and drinks for children
You don’t need to bring anything, we provide all meals. For early birds we make a delicious breakfast, and at lunchtime we prepare a warm meal using responsible, fresh, and as organic as possible ingredients. Because all children eat together, they naturally get used to eating healthy and varied food. We end the day with a healthy sandwich meal. In between, there is of course plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and water. And how about a smoothie or a small soup? We always take dietary requirements or allergies into account. The very youngest children receive infant formula and freshly prepared fruit and vegetable purĂ©es.Â
Childcare costs per hour
As of 1 January 2026, the rate for day care at Paddington is 1 January 2026 € 14,15 per hour. This includes everything needed to feed and care for your child. Think of diapers, a sleeping bag, infant formula*, and healthy meals from breakfast through to dinner. The only things you need to bring are spare clothes and, if you like, a cuddly toy.
Childcare allowance 2026
Do you bring your child to a registered childcare provider and do you and/or your partner work? Then you probably qualify for childcare allowance.This means the government reimburses part of the childcare costs. We collect the full monthly amount, and you then receive a portion back from the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst). Exactly how much you receive depends on your combined taxable income and the number of hours you and/or your partner work.
Want to know exactly how much you will get back? Then make a calculation via surcharges.co.uk.
The Bitcare app
Once your child attends a Paddington location, you’ll get access to the Bitcare app. You’ll receive fun updates during the childcare day, and you’ll also find various documents and protocols there, such as how we handle complaints, the educational policy plan, and the privacy policy.
Would you like more information about childcare at Paddington?
Call, email, or leave your contact details and we will get back to you within two working days.