Growth and development
How children grow at Espira
Babies and young children learn and develop through doing. That is why at Espira, they are given plenty of space to explore what they can and dare to do in a playful manner. Inside, they find a safe, warm place where they feel at home. Outside, we challenge them every day to move and have adventures. Our educational professionals instil confidence and stimulate their curiosity. This helps your child build a strong foundation. They enjoy discovering new things, learn to trust themselves and become increasingly capable. A perfect start for primary school and beyond.
How children grow at Espira
Why children enjoy attending our child care centre
Children are born with a natural urge to discover and grow. At our nursery, they are given plenty of space to do so: at their own pace, in their own way. We provide a safe place where children can explore with confidence and enjoyment.
Five core values
Our five core values – natural outdoors, development, connection and innovation – and our Scandinavian vision form the basis of everything we do. We have translated these into five concrete characteristics that you will see every day in the group. This is why your child enjoys being at our nursery every day:
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Healthy foundation
Children who pick up healthy habits early on will benefit from them throughout their lives. That is why we serve healthy food and drinks. Babies taste their first bites of vegetables, toddlers discover different flavours and preschoolers learn to eat on their own. Exercise is also part of a healthy lifestyle. From rolling and crawling to climbing, scrambling, running and jumping. Our naturally designed play areas – both indoors and outdoors – make exercise fun and natural. Sleep and rest are also important. Some of our nurseries have outdoor beds for healthy sleep in the fresh air.
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Growing up resilient
Trying things out and practising are part of growing up. A baby learning to roll over, a toddler taking its first steps, a preschooler building a tower of blocks – higher and higher! Our educational professionals see learning opportunities in everything. They observe and offer age-appropriate activities. Not everything works out right away, and that's okay. A friend who doesn't want to share, a challenging puzzle. We are there for them when they experience emotions, but we also give children the space to discover things for themselves. This teaches your child to persevere, improvise and solve problems.
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Learning through play – indoors and outdoors
Children learn best by playing and touching and looking at everything. We call this developmental play: children grow in language, thinking and social skills without even noticing. We also provide play materials that are appropriate for their age and interests, so that children learn through play. We stimulate curiosity by having lots of conversations and showing interest in what your child is doing. And we go outside every day – because everything that can be done indoors can also be done outdoors.
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Self-confidence and responsibility
Independence starts with small steps. A baby learning to hold his bottle. A toddler trying to put on his coat. A preschooler going to the toilet by himself. We give children the time and space to try things for themselves. In the group, they learn to play together, share and be considerate of each other. Our educational professionals patiently guide these first social steps. This helps your child gain more and more self-confidence and responsibility.
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Personal attention and professional guidance
Our educational professionals build a warm, personal bond with the children. We recognise the signs, know what they love and how we can best stimulate their development. Children receive individual attention and the space to be themselves within the group. Working together with parents builds trust and ensures that your child feels at home and has fun at our nursery – every single day.
Getting used to
Settling in and the first day
Getting used to
Settling in and the first day at our child care centre
Getting used to nursery is different for every child. That is why we take our time. Together, we ensure a smooth and familiar start – for your child and for you.
Intake interview at the child care centre
About two weeks before the start, we will invite you for an intake interview. During this interview, you can discuss everything at your leisure with your child's mentor: how things are going at home and how everything works at our nursery. After the interview, your child will usually stay in the group for a few hours to get used to the new environment. This allows your child to experience the atmosphere and get to know our educational professionals and other children.
Settling in at our child care centre
After the intake interview, we will schedule a half-day for your child to settle in at the nursery. You are welcome to stay and support your child. On average, children need two half-days to settle in. Others need more time. We will work with you to find what works best.
The first day at our childcare centre
Once your child has settled in, it's time for their first day at the nursery! We will keep you informed about eating, sleeping, playing and special moments via our parent portal. You are also welcome to call or email us at any time. When you pick up your child, we will tell you how the day went. After six weeks, we will schedule an evaluation meeting to see if everything is going well.
What should you bring to the nursery and what should you leave at home?
We understand that you may not be sure what to bring to the nursery and what to leave at home. That is why we have created a handy list for you:
Bring your own
- Special or different (diet) food
- Cuddly toy, comfort blanket or dummy for a familiar feeling
- Spare clothes (clothes and shoes that can get dirty), because we will be playing outside a lot!
- Slippers or indoor shoes
- Everything labelled with your child's name where possible
Good to know: Nappies, drinks/(bottle) feeds, fresh fruit, vegetables and bread meals, activities, trips and transport are included in the price.
Settling in and the first day
A day at our Child care centre
A small hand letting go of yours. It feels big, we know. That's why at Espira we take all the time we need to get to know each other. During the introductory meeting and settling-in period, our educational professionals listen to your rhythm and habits. This makes the start feel familiar – for your child and for you.
A day at
What does a day at my child's nursery look like?
This is what a day at our nursery looks like. Safe, familiar and full of adventures, big and small.
Good morning!
You arrive at your Espira Childcare location with your child in the morning. After being greeted by our educational professionals, it's time for one last kiss and hug: the day can begin!
Starting together in the circle
We always start together in the circle. We go through the day's activities with the children, sing a song or read a book. A cheerful start to the day with lots of personal attention.
Fruit time: healthy and fun
A varied, healthy diet is the basis of healthy childcare. That is why your child is given fresh fruit every day. There is lots of fun and laughter at the table. Some babies then take a nap.
Outdoor play and experiencing nature
Nature is our second home. That is why we take the children outside a lot. They cycle, run, build sandcastles, look for leaves and discover all there is to see.
Lunch: eating healthily together
Around noon, the children eat a sandwich and drink water or milk. A quiet and cosy moment with attention for each other. In between, there is of course always plenty of drink available for your child.
Afternoon rest, time to recharge
After lunch, it's time to rest. Some children sleep, others listen quietly to a story or look at a picture book. No need to do anything, just relax.
Drinks and a healthy snack
When the children wake up, they are given fresh vegetable snacks and drinks. This allows your child to start the afternoon calmly and with renewed energy.
Afternoon activities: learning through play
The afternoon is for learning through play. We stimulate your child during group activities: making music, building, crafting or free play.
Our parent portal, to put a smile on your face
We occasionally send you a photo of your child via our parent portal. With paint-covered hands, a sandcastle they built themselves or laughing with other children. This allows you to see how your child is growing and enjoying themselves.
Drinks and healthy snacks
All that playing and discovering makes you thirsty! That's why we have a drink together and eat a healthy snack.
A quiet end to the day
At the end of the afternoon, we take a moment to relax and sit down together at the table to end the day in a cosy atmosphere. After that, your child can play freely for a while or read a book in peace.
Pick-up – 'Bye, see you tomorrow!'
'Mummy!“ 'Daddy!” Happy faces at the window. After a short, warm handover, it's time to go home. With rosy cheeks from playing outside and a head full of new experiences.
Learning through play at Espira Childcare
Learning through play – indoors and outdoors
Development & learning through play
Our educational professionals see learning opportunities in everything. They observe the children and offer age-appropriate activities. Singing while changing nappies (your child learns language), building towers (your child learns to think) and going outside every day for adventurous play (your child becomes more independent and gains self-confidence). Your child is just having fun playing. But so much more is happening at the same time!
Learning through play – indoors and outdoors
Developing and learning through play at our child care centre
Our educational professionals are specially trained to stimulate children in their development: physically, socio-emotionally, creatively, linguistically, intellectually and socially. With age-appropriate activities, we stimulate curiosity and help your child grow towards independence.
What is learning through play?
Learning through play is at the heart of our Scandinavian approach to childcare. Learning through play is different from just playing. It is free and adventurous play with a purpose: to learn new knowledge and skills. Research shows that children who discover through play learn faster and remember better.
- We observe: What does your child enjoy doing? Making their own choices makes children stronger.
- We connect: Which activities fit in with this? We encourage discovery through lots of outdoor play.
- We challenge: What can your child already do? How can we make it more difficult, step by step?
- We help: We offer safety and help where necessary, but not too quickly.
This is how we work at Espira Childcare
Our educational professionals are warm and give positive attention. They offer clear rules and a fixed daily routine. They help children to play together. And they explain what is happening so that children understand and learn.
We monitor children's development using a development system. Our educational professionals pay particular attention to:
- Does your child feel comfortable?
Your child feels safe at our nursery and can be themselves.
- Is your child learning new things?
Your child becomes independent, creative and gains self-confidence through learning through play.
- Does your child play with others?
At our nursery, your child learns to cooperate, talk to others and resolve conflicts.
- Does your child know what is and isn't allowed?
Your child learns the rules and how to interact with others.
This ensures that your child enjoys being at our nursery and develops optimally – every single day.
Calculate your costs
Care packages & costs
At Espira Childcare, you can choose the type of childcare that suits your situation. 40 or 52 weeks per year, with the option of early childcare. On the location page, you can see which daycare locations offer early childcare. With our handy Net Cost Calculator, you can immediately see what it will cost.
Handy: nappies, drinks/bottle feeds, fresh fruit, vegetable snacks, bread meals and healthy snacks, activities, trips and transport are all included. You give your child a warm hug when you leave, we do the rest.
Childcare costs
How much does childcare at Espira Kinderopvang cost and how does it work?
With our childcare packages, you can easily choose the childcare that best suits your situation.
Our childcare packages
Bij Espira werken we met twee soorten pakketten voor kinderopvang (0-4 jaar):
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52-week package
Childcare throughout the year, 52 weeks of peace of mind (most popular package). Perfect if you work full-time and don't want to worry about holiday childcare.
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40-week package
Childcare only during school weeks (not during school holidays). Ideal if you are at home during school holidays.
In our parent portal, a web portal and app especially for parents, you can arrange everything related to your child's childcare yourself. For example, you can request (extra) childcare days, swap or change days, and view your invoices.
Espira Kinderopvang child care rates
Would you like to know how much the various childcare options cost? Take a look at our rates page or use our handy Net Cost Calculator to work out your personal situation. Of course, you are always welcome to contact us. We will be happy to help you.
Good to know: nappies, drinks/bottle feeds, fresh fruit, vegetable snacks, bread meals and healthy snacks, activities, trips and transport are all included.
Applying for childcare allowance: when and how?
Once you have signed your contract with Espira, you can apply for childcare allowance. You can do this at the Tax and Customs Administration. Be sure to submit your application within three months of the start of childcare, otherwise you will lose out on money. The LRK number you need for your application can be found on your contract and on the location page of your Espira nursery.
Tip: Has your situation changed? Is your child attending childcare more, less or no longer? Has your income, work or health situation changed? Are you getting married, moving in with someone or separating? Please notify the Tax and Customs Administration. All of these changes will affect your childcare allowance.
Registering for child careand payment
You pay Espira Kinderopvang by direct debit around the 25th of the month – always in advance for the following month. The invoice is available from the 1st day of the month in our parent portal (and therefore not by post or email). You can download your annual statement for the childcare allowance in February or March via our parent portal for your tax return.
Guidance for
The transition to primary school
One day it happens. Your child picks up their coat, puts on their shoes and says, ‘I can do it myself.’ Then you know: the transition to primary school is getting closer. Exciting? Of course. But at Espira Childcare, we prepare your child for it. Thanks to our natural mix of play, discovery and cooperation, your child will grow in confidence. As a result, they will enter primary school feeling proud and curious.
Continuous learning pathway
The transition to primary school: how we prepare your child for it
The transition to primary school: how we prepare your child
We prepare your child for primary school in a playful manner. We start doing this when your child is around 3 years old.
The transition to primary school: how we prepare your child
We prepare your child for primary school in a playful manner. We start doing this when your child is around 3 years old.
Development and learning through play
With our Scandinavian approach, we stimulate children's development: physical, social-emotional, creative, linguistic, intellectual and social. In the circle, your child learns to listen and wait for their turn. When spreading butter on bread, your child practises independence. During outdoor play, your child learns to cooperate. These are all skills that will come in handy in Year 1 of primary school.
Our pedagogical vision for childcare: continuous learning pathway
Our pedagogical vision focuses on a continuous learning pathway from 0 to 12 years of age. Our pedagogical professionals see what your child needs and encourage them to shine in the classroom.
Collaboration with primary schools
Our nursery works closely with primary schools in the neighbourhood. Your child can take a look at the classroom and meet the teacher. Older primary school children come to read aloud at our nursery. This helps your child become familiar with school.
Warm transfer by educational professionals
When the time comes, our educational professionals will ensure a warm transfer to primary school (with your permission, of course). We will tell the teacher what your child is good at, what they enjoy and where they might need some extra help. This way, the school knows exactly how to best support your child.
At Espira Kinderopvang, we make that big step to school a little smaller. Together, we ensure that your child is ready for this new adventure!
One team together
Working with parents
We believe that good childcare starts with good communication and contact with parents. We share photos and messages about your child via our parent portal, but the best conversations happen when we see you in person at the nursery. We are always open to feedback and have a parent committee. This helps us maintain a high level of satisfaction and quality at our locations.
One team together
Working with parents: one team for your child
At Espira, the interests of the children come first. That is why we believe it is important to maintain good contact with parents. Every child is assigned a permanent mentor with whom parents can discuss anything.
Working with parents: one team for your child
At Espira, the children's interests come first. That is why we believe it is important to maintain good contact with parents. Every child is assigned a permanent mentor with whom parents can discuss anything.
Daily contact at our child care centre
A special moment or just “it went well today”. At the door, we exchange what is important. A quick chat – so you stay involved in your child's day.
Our parent portal: always connected to your child
Our educational professionals share photos of special moments in our parent portal. While you are at work, you can see your child eating, sleeping or playing outside. We share more details about babies than about older children. They will soon be able to tell you their stories themselves.
Development meetings
Six weeks after your child starts at our nursery, we schedule a meeting to discuss how they are settling in. This is followed by an annual development meeting of approximately 10 minutes.
Parent committee
At Espira Childcare, we work every day to improve our educational quality and the development of our people. That is why we are always open to the opinions and feedback of parents. We have a parent committee that represents the interests of parents and children and contributes ideas and decisions on important topics within the nursery.