Ultimately, Partou’s goal is the same in every country: to provide every child with the best possible start. However, beyond this fundamental objective, each country has its own frameworks, rules, and structures that childcare providers such as Partou must adhere to. In Germany, this even varies by city and federal state, as Nicolette Hehn explains.
“The Dutch childcare system is very well-structured and centrally organised,” she says. “There is clear national legislation that all childcare providers must comply with. In Germany, this is different, as childcare regulations are determined at state level. Each federal state has different structures for subsidising parents, occupancy rules, and quality criteria for childcare facilities.” This results in significantly more paperwork and requires a tailored approach for each childcare setting. “It is virtually impossible to centralise structures and regulations.”
A complex landscape
Germany has 16 federal states with a great deal of autonomy to respond more directly to regional challenges and opportunities. "But this also leads to complexity due to different laws and regulations per state," Nicolette explains. "It is not only a challenge in childcare to find a good way of working if you are active in multiple states."
Team of specialists
Partou currently offers childcare in 5 states, with a service offices in Wuppertal and Hamburg. Here, a dedicated team supports childcare settings in navigating the complex web of local regulations, conditions, financing and sometimes even rules that directly affect the quality of childcare.
Each federal state and city presents its own challenges. “In North Rhine-Westphalia, the demand for childcare is very high,” she says. “We engage in discussions with state authorities to find ways to support parents as efficiently as possible. In Hamburg, the system is entirely different – parents receive a childcare voucher from the authorities and then independently search for a daycare that suits their needs and their children's needs.” On the positive side of all the regulations, German laws on care for children with disabilities in regular childcare are more developed than in the Netherlands. This promotes inclusion. Partou offers more and more places for Inklusionskinder.
Drawing on Dutch expertise
Partou Germany is growing and has the ambition to offer the best possible care to more children.“It is incredibly valuable that we can draw on the expertise of our Dutch colleagues,” Nicolette says. “In the Netherlands, there is specific knowledge and expertise on, for example, scientific research in child development, sustainability and process automation, so that early years professionals can focus on the children. And as Partou Germany continues to grow, the possibility of bringing more specialist functions in-house will arise here too.”
Recently, Kita Käptn Kaninchen in Hamburg joined Partou. Partou Germany also actively seeks suitable sites and buildings to establish new childcare settings. “We identify prime locations in the city for a new daycare and present our proposal to the municipality, demonstrating that the development of the children is at the core our specific approach and that we are a strong and reliable partner.”
Striving for a better work-life balance
“Collaboration is essential to increase the supply of quality childcare in Germany and meet high demand,” Nicolette emphasises. “We offer our knowledge and expertise to help expand childcare infrastructure quickly and effectively.” Partou backs its plans with scientific research, drawing on the wealth of insights gained in the Netherlands regarding high-quality childcare services and child development.
“German parents tend to be a little more conservative than their Dutch counterparts,” Nicolette explains. “Children often go to daycare from the age of 1. Our role is to reassure them that we have their child’s best interests at heart. That Partou provides the best possible start in life, and that childcare can also contribute to a better work-life balance for parents.”
A commitment to care
No matter where Partou is, we strive to make a difference: for children, families, our people, and the planet. Curious about what we do, what we dream of, and the challenges we face?