The Dutch system of early education and childcare differs from that in England in some important respects. For one, early education and childcare are provided and funded separately. Schools offer part-time, publicly funded nursery education to children from age four. The start of compulsory schooling is at five. Registered childcare, provided by private for-profit and not-for-profit daycare centres or by childminders, is used by some 40 per cent of children under four.
A thriving playgroup sector and out-of-school care also figure within the Dutch system. While maternal employment rates are high, part-time use of childcare is the norm as most mothers work part time.
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