Guide to The Hague - Schools & Childcare

Childcare, pre-school, primary and secondary school

Childcare (Shell arranged)
Shell has selected childcare service provider Skon as it's partner in the provision of these services. Shell employees can make use of a comprehensive package of childcare services. For more information:

• Skon telephone helpdesk: 0346-559 590 (on weekdays from 8.30 - 17.00)
• Skon Childcare Advisor Ms Suzan van Hassel: 0346559 591 (Monday, Tuesday & Friday from 8.30 - 17.00)
• Website: www.skobi.nl/shell (for log in details please contact Outpost The Hague)

Childcare (other)
Please see Appendix for a list of English speaking playgroups
For details on visa requirements for live-in nannies and au-pairs, you can visit the Ministry of Justice – Immigration and Naturalisation Department‘s website: www.ind.nl

Nanny: In the Netherlands it is not common at all to employ a nanny. If you intend to do so please note that you will have to pay social security for your employee, which may work out to be very expensive. You can get a list of agencies that provide mediation services between parents and nannies from Outpost The Hague.

Au Pair: It is mostly families with young children, with both parents working, who tend to employ an au pair. Listings of au pair agencies under “Au Pair” can be found in the Yellow Pages (Gouden Gids). Most agencies charge an annual fee and will provide a selection of au pairs wishing to come to the Netherlands for one year, along with references (academic and work experience) and general medical details. Their language proficiency (often English) will also have been assessed. The primary reason for inviting an au pair to join a family living in the Netherlands is for cultural experience of the Netherlands.

Private babysitter:
Check Yellow pages under Oppasbemiddelingcentrale or Oppascentrales.
It is recommended to ask in your area (school, neighbours etc.) for a reliable babysitter. There is often a list of babysitters in your neighbourhood magazine and some international schools even provide lists with names of students who want to baby-sit. You may want to check with the Lycee Francais, British and American schools. Most Dutch teenagers speak English as well and they will be delighted to earn some extra money, just like their expatriate counterparts. As for the rates charged, it is best to ask around and see what the going rate is. Usually after midnight the charge is doubled. Some sitters have their transportation paid.

Nurseries or Playgroups (Peuterspeelzaal/Peutergroe):. They are often Dutch speaking and often attached to a primary school. There are several English language playgroups serving the international community in The Hague, Rijswijk, Voorburg, Wassenaar and Voorschoten areas. A list is available from Outpost The Hague . You may also want to check the British Club of The Hague. Tel: 070 3461973 and the American Women’s Club Tel: 070 3506007.

Day care center (Kinderdagverblijf/kinderopvang): Attendance full time, part time, and in part days (2 parts= full day, 1 part is half day, either morning or afternoon)
Most centres have a waiting list, so please register as soon as you have made your choice. List of day care centres are in the Yellow Pages (orange section) under Kinderopvang and Gemeentewijzer The Hague. Private day care centres are also available and have shorter waiting lists.

After school care centre (Buitenschoolse opvang): In the Yellow Pages under Kinderopvang (look for naschoolse opvang/buitenschoolse opvang). These places are Dutch speaking and set up for working parents. Often there are waiting lists and early registration is necessary. www.kinderopvangonline.nl (website of kinderopvang online)

Childminders: In the Yellow Pages under Gastouderbureau or Gastoudercentrale. Also called oppas, a gastouder looks after your child in her/his own house usually along with a few other children (look for naschoolse opvang/buitenschoolse opvang). These places are Dutch speaking and set up for working parents. Kinderopvang website: www.kinderopvangonline.nl

Note: Waiting lists exist for day care centres and after school care so early registration is important.

ACCESS Organisation publishes a booklet on childcare and playgroups.
Tel: 070 3462525
Website: www.access-nl.org
(Available on loan from Outpost The Hague)

Children with Special Needs
Please see organisations for children with special needs

For information about Shell Childcare policies go to: http://sww02.europe.shell.com/sinhr/eng/index.htm?broc+0 (download the childcare brochure)

Mum and Toddler/ Baby Group/Activities

Baby Music Group with Parent or Carer Baby music group each Wed from 10.45-11.30 for babies from 1-18 months. Toddler music group each Thurs from 11.15-12.00, for toddlers 18 months to pre-schoolers. St. John and St. Philip Anglican Church, Riouwstraat 2c (with Ary van der Spuyweg 1), 2585 JA, The Hague, E-mail moniquegielbert@hotmail.com.

Baby Signing Classes (in The Hague)

Communicate with your baby before your baby can talk. Qualified Speech and Language Therapist, Fiona Curtis. Statenlaan 58, 2582 GP, The Hague, Tel: 070 354-7542 Mob: 0648 25 67 08, Email: kandfcurtis@planet.nl.

English speaking group for pregnant mums and parents of newborns and babies not yet walking. St. John & St. Philip Anglican Church, Riouwstraat 2c (with Ary van der Spuyweg 1), 2585 JA, The Hague, Tel: 065 063 4434, Tina Keogh, E-mail: tina@greatexpectations.nl, Website: www.greatexpectations.nl

Kindermusik

Music program for babies and young children. At Kindermusik parents and children will sing, dance and play musical instruments. E-mail: kindermusikwithraquel@hotmail.com, Website: www.kindermusikwithraquel.web-log.nl

Moms, Pops and Tots at the American Women's Club of The Hague

Great way for your child to meet and play with others. Mom's Night Out once a month. Nieuwe Duinweg 25, 2587 AB, The Hague, Tel: 070 350-6007, Website: www.awcthehague.org

Mothers and Toddlers Group at the British Women Club of The Hague

Craft activities, singing, story time and lots of toys. Coffee shop. Evening events for mums. Plein 24 -2nd Floor, 2511 CS, The Hague, Tel: 070 346-1973, Website: www.bwclubthehague.demon.nl.

Free play, toys and sing-songs. St. John and St. Philip Anglican Church, Riouwstraat 2c (with Ary van der Spuyweg 1), 2585 JA, The Hague, Tel: 070 355-5136, Contact Helen Orman ajorman@casema.nl .

Private Swimming Lessons

In Wassenaar and Scheveningen. Individual lessons or maximum 3 children per group. You can register when your child is 4 years old. However the minimum age to participate is 5. Professional sports teacher, Renz van der Torn. Website: www.privezwemles.com

Sing and Play a New Language

For mums, dads and toddlers, learn Dutch by playing and singing Dutch songs. Qualified Dutch and English teacher, Helen van der Poel. Oldenbarneveldweg 7, 2242 BA, Wassenaar, Tel: 070 511-7186, E-mail: helen@imme.nl.

Socatots

Soccer program for children aged from 6 months to 5 years with their parents. Age appropriate structured play to develop co-ordination, balance and agility. Van Diepenburchstraat 44, 2597 PV, The Hague. Tel: 0900-7622868, mob: 06-14004216. Website: www.socatots.com/denhaag.

English speaking group. Meetings every Tuesday form 9.30 to 11.30 am. Moeder Gods Church, Baron Schimmelpenninck van der Oyelaan 18, 2252 EB, Voorschoten, Website: www.geocities.com/toddlergroup.

English speaking group. Meetings every Thursday from 9.30 to 11.30am, Hofcampweg 3 (Deylercentrum), 2241 KD, Wassenaar, Tel: 070 511-5720 Gillian Weinberg, 070 517-6010 Susan Ranebo.

Day care Centres In The Hague

CompaNanny (day care for children 0 to 4 years, after school care 4 to 12 years), Dutch speaking day care, Caroline van Nassaustraat 13 ( Prinsenhof ), 2595 TK, The Hague. Tel: 070 335-5969, E-mail: info@compananny.nl, Website: www.compananny.nl

Jamdaycare (day care, pre-school and after school for children 6months to 6 years), English speaking day care, Paulus Potterstraat 58, 2526 TD The Hague, Tel. 070 388-5451, E-mail: info@jamdaycare.com, Website: www.jamdaycare.com.

Comme à la Maison (day care and pre-school for children from 0 to 6 years), Dutch and English speaking day care, Duinweg 1, 2585 JT, The Hague, Tel: 070 - 404 9750, Website: www.commealamaison.nl.

Triodus Kinderopvang (day care for children 0 to 4 years), International School of The Hague (opening in January 2007 - accepting registrations), Wijndaelerduin 1, 2554 BX, The Hague. Tel: 070 - 312 0000 (general), 312 0010 (registration); Fax: 070 - 312 0099, E-mail: info@triodus.nl. Website: www.triodus.nl or www.ishthehague.nl

Alice in Wonderland (day care for children 3 months to 4 years old), Dutch speaking day care, Juliana van Stolberglaan 3 (in the Louisa Henriettestraat complex), 2595 CA, The Hague, Tel: 070 304-0720, E-mail: alice@triodus.nl. Website: www.triodus.nl.

Grote Beer (day care for children 0 to 4 years), Dutch speaking day care, Zeezwaluwstraat 4, 2583 RS, The Hague, Tel: 070 - 355 4671 or 312 0010 (Triodus), E-mail: grotebeer@triodus.nl, Website: www.triodus.nl/info/scheveningen/grotebeer.htm.

Kindercare (day care for children 0 to 4 years), This is a Dutch speaking day care (good reviews from expat families), Riouwstraat 216, 2585 HZ, The Hague, Tel: 070 404 94 75, E-mail: info@kindercare.nl, Website: www.kindercare.nl.

De Blauwe Dolfijn (daycare for 3 months to 4 years), Dutch speaking day care , Laan Copes van Cattenburch 60, 2585 GC Den Haag , Tel: 070 355-1375, Website www.skon.nl.

2Samen (daycare, playgroup and after-school), Various locations in The Hague, E-mail: info@2samen.nl, Website: www.2samen.nl/

In Leiden

In Rijswijk

De Schelpentuin (day care for children 0 to 4 years), Dutch speaking day care, Lange Kleiweg 58A, 2288 GK, Rijswijk (Plaspoelpolder), Tel: 070 415-7000 / 070 372-8080 registration

In Voorschoten (close to Wassenaar)

In Wassenaar

The Clown Club (day care for children 0 to 4 years), English and Dutch speaking day care , Johan de Wittstraat 33, 2242 LA, Wassenaar, Tel: 070 - 514 0981, E-mail: info@theclownclub.com, Website: www.theclownclub.com.

Dol-Fijn (daycare for children 0 to 4 years), Dutch speaking day care, Ter Weerlaan 2 , 2241 VD, Wassenaar, Tel 070 511-8936 .

TASID The Activity Shop International Daycare (day care, pre-school, after school for 0 to 12 years), English speaking day care, Hallekensstraat 28 A, 2242 VD, Wassenaar, Tel: 070 - 514 6738, E-mail: tasid@xs4all.nl, Website: www.tasid.nl.

* For general information about childcare: www.denhaag.com

* For a map to locate a day care centre by The Hague districts click on: www.kinderopvangdak.nl

* For a list of daycare centers in Rijswijk and Ypenburg: www.kinderopvang-plein.nl/geo (look for Kinderdagverblijf list)

Playgroups

Daisy Chain Playgroup (English speaking playgroup for children 2.5 to 4+ years old), St. John and St. Philip Anglican Church, Riouwstraat 2c (with Ary van der Spuyweg 1), 2585 JA, The Hague, Tel: 070 - 352 1991.E-mail: daisychainplaygroup@gmail.com. Website: http://admindaisychain.googlepages.com/home. Nicola Cameron(Leader) 06 4130 2391, Kim van DEssel (Adminstrator) 06 2008 5138

De Carousel Peuterspeelzaal (playgroup for children 2.5 to 4 years), Cantaloupenburg 42, 2514 KM, The Hague. Tel: 070 392-6466, 070 338-6500 registration. E-mail: 2loopings@2samen.nl, Website: www.2samen.nl

English Speaking Playgroup Voorschoten (playgroup for children 2 to 4+ years), Sixlaan 4
2252 CG, Voorschoten, Tel: 071 071 576-5664
E-mail: info@english-playgroup-voorschoten.nl
Website: http://www.english-playgroup-voorschoten.nl

Fun-Tazia (English speaking playgroup for children 2 to 4 years), Anthonie van Dijklaan 1
2661 TP, Bergschenhoek (Rotterdam area), E-mail: info@funtazia.nl, Website: www.funtazia.nl/pages/welcome.html

Rijswijk English Speaking Playgroup (playgroup for children age 2 to 4 years), Laboucherelaan 1, 2283 EG, Rijswijk, Tel: 070 390-3995, E-mail: alison.zegers@planet.nl, Website : www.rijswijkplay g roup.nl

Willows English Language Playschool (playgroup and pre-school for children 18 m. to 4 years)
Oostdorperweg 54- 54a, 2242 NL, Wassenaar, Tel: 065 123 1604, Ginny Whitty.

Infant & Toddler Playgroup At the Roman Catholic Church of Our Saviour the group meets most Tuesday mornings 9:30-10:45hrs in the Parish Hall. The group is a loosely structured opportunity for mums and babies to socialize with others. Age appropriate activities and toys are available and there is a short singing and circle time. Helen Gamble williah99@hotmail.com.

Pre-Schools

Jamdaycare (day care, pre-school and after school for children 6months to 6 years), Paulus Potterstraat 58, 2526 TD, The Hague, Tel 070 388-5451, E-mail: info@jamdaycare.com, Website: www.jamdaycare.com.

Red Fish Blue Fish (pre-school for children 2 ½ to 4 years), Scheldekade 43 - 45, 2514 KB, The Hague, Tel: 070 354-6502 Siobhan Thorne. E-mail: rfbf@attglobal.net.

Comme à la Maison (day care and pre-school for children from 0 to 6 years), Duinweg 1, 2585 JT, The Hague, Tel: 070 - 404 9750, Website: www.commealamaison.nl.

TASID The Activity Shop International Daycare (day care, pre-school, after school for 0 to 12 years), Hallekensstraat 28 A, 2242 VD, Wassenaar, Tel: 070 - 514 6738, E-mail: tasid@xs4all.nl, Website: www.tasid.nl.

The Windmill Playgroup (Pre-school for children 2 to 5 years old), Theresiastraat 310, 2593 BZ, The Hague, Tel: 070 327-2088 or Elzendreef 6, 2272 EB, Voorburg, Tel: 070 327-2088. E-mail: info@thewindmillplaygroup.com, Website: www.windmillplaygroup.com.

Willows English Language Playschool (playgroup and pre-school for children 18 m. to 4 years)
Oostdorperweg 54- 54a, 2242 NL, Wassenaar, Tel: 065 123 1604, Ginny Whitty .

After School Care

2Samen (day care centers, playgroups and after-school), Various locations in The Hague, E-mail: info@2samen.nl, Website: www.2samen.nl

CompaNanny (day care for children 0 to 4 years, after school care 4 to 12 years), Dutch speaking. Caroline van Nassaustraat 13 ( Prinsenhof ), 2595 TK, The Hague, Tel: 070 335-5969. E-mail: info@compananny.nl, Website: www.compananny.nl/informatie.

Jamdaycare (day care, pre-school and after school for children 6months to 6 years), English speaking. Paulus Potterstraat 58, 2526 TD The Hague, Tel. 070 388-5451, E-mail: info@jamdaycare.com, Website: www.jamdaycare.com.

TASID The Activity Shop International Daycare (day care, pre-school, after school for 0 to 12 years), Hallekensstraat 28 A, 2242 VD, Wassenaar, Tel: 070 - 514 6738, E-mail: tasid@xs4all.nl, Website: www.tasid.nl.

Primary and Secondary Schools in The Hague:

Shell Education Services:
Yolanda Achterkamp
Assistant Education Services
Tel: +31 70 377 2889
E-mail: yolanda.achterkamp@shell.com

Places are often very tight and while the schools do their utmost to accommodate Shell children, it is not always possible to place children at the school of the parents' choice, especially at short notice.
Places for children with Special Educational Needs and for children whose mother tongue is not English are limited. Parents should apply directly to at least one school as early as possible (applications can always be withdrawn if necessary).

Information on international education in The Netherlands is available on www.sio.nl and also on www.denhaag.com/default.asp?id=6129&ep=6130
A brochure “Going to school in the Netherlands” can be requested through
www.minocw.nl

The Shell offices in the The Hague area are located in Benoordenhout, Leidschendam and Rijswijk. However many expatriates tend to live close to the school. Distances and approximate driving time from The Hague to:

Voorschoten: 14 km and 15-20 minutes
Wassenaar: 10 km and 15-20 minutes
Oegstgeest: 20 km and 35-45 minutes
Leiden: 18 km and 35-45 minutes

The Hague/Voorschoten/Wassenaar:

Primary: Haagsche School Vereeniging (HSV) International School
Nassaulaan 26, 2514 JT The Hague,
Tel: 070 363 8531
Koningin Sophiestraat 24a
2595 TG Den Haag
Tel: 070 324 3453
E-mail: id-admissions@hsvdenhaag.nl
Website: www.hsvdenhaag.nl

British School in the Netherlands
• Foundation School
Tarwekamp 3, 2592XG The Hague
Tel: +31 (0) 70 3154040
Fax: +31 (0) 70 3154054
• Junior School
Vlaskamp 19, 2592AA The Hague
Tel: +31 (0) 70 3338111
Fax: +31 (0) 70 3338100
Website: www.britishschool.nl

The American School of The Hague
(From pre-K)
Rijksstraatweg 200,
2241 BX Wassenaar (on the N44/A44 10 km north of The Hague)
Tel: 070 5121060
011 31 70 5121060 (calling from the US)
Website: www.ash.nl.

French School
Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh
(from 3 years old) (with annex in Amsterdam)
Scheveningseweg 237, 2584 AA The Hague
Telephone: +31 (0) 70 3066920
Telecopie: +31 (0) 70 3066930
E-mail: lycfranc@bart.nl
Website: users.bart.nl/~lvangogh

German School
Deutsche Schule The Hague
(From 3 years old)
Van Bleiswijkstraat 125, 2582 LB The Hague
Fax: +31 (0) 70 3502959
Tel.: +31 (0) 70 3549454
E-mail: info@disdh.nl
Website: www.disdh.nl


Amsterdam

The International School of Amsterdam
Preschool through grade 13, For pupils 3-18 offering IB and Middle years programmes
International School of Amsterdam
Sportlaan 45, 1185 TB Amstelveen
Telephone: +31 (0) 20-3471111
Fax: +31 (0) 20-3471222
E-mail contacts:
Admissions Office: info@isa.nl
Public Relations: rspies@isa.nl
Website: www.isa.nl

British School in the Netherlands
• Senior School
Jan van Hooflaan 3. 2252 BG Voorschoten
Tel: +31 (0) 71 5602222
Fax: +31 (0) 71 5602200
Website: www.britishschool.nl

The International School of The Hague
(Offers IGCSE/IB)
Wijndaelerduin 1, 2554 BX Den Haag
Tel.: 070 328 1450
E-mail: admin@ishthehague.nl
Website: www.ishthehague.nl

The American School of The Hague
(American High School or IB)
Rijksstraatweg 200,
2241 BX Wassenaar (on the N44/A44 10 km north of The Hague)
Tel: 070 5121060
011 31 70 5121060 (calling from the US)
Website: www.ash.nl

French School
Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh
(from 3 years old) (with annex in Amsterdam)
Scheveningseweg 237, 2584 AA The Hague
Telephone: +31 (0) 70 3066920
Telecopie: +31 (0) 70 3066930
E-mail: lycfranc@bart.nl
Website:users.bart.nl/~lvangogh
Area: Statenkwartier & Scheveningen

German School
Deutsche Schule The Hague
van Bleiswijkstraat 125, 2582 LB The Hague
Fax: +31 (0) 70 3502959
Tel.: +31 (0) 70 3549454
E-mail: info@disdh.nl
Website: www.disdh.nl


Amsterdam

The International School of Amsterdam
Preschool through grade 13 (pupils 3-18) offering IB and Middle years programmes
International School of Amsterdam
Sportlaan 45, 1185 TB Amstelveen
Telephone: +31 (0) 20 3471111
Fax: +31 (0) 20 3471222
E-mail contacts:
Admissions Office: info@isa.nl
Public Relations: rspies@isa.nl
Website: www.isa.nl


Near Leiden:

Primary

The International Department of the Elcerlyc Montessori Basisschool
Klimopzoom 41, 2353 RE Leiderdorp (near Leiden)
Tel: +31 (0)71 5892945
ispa-elck.tripod.com

Secondary

Het Rijnlands Lyceum International School
Located in Oegstgeest, 5 min from Leiden, offering IB Diploma Programme and IB Middle Years Programme
International School, The Rijnlands Lyceum,
Apollolaan 1, 2341 BA Oegstgeest,
Tel.: +31 (0) 71 5177471
Website: www.isrlo.nl

Boarding Schools

There are several Boarding Houses located in The Netherlands:

Internaat "Bouwlust" - Oegstgeest
Rhijnhofweg 7, 2342 BB Oegstgeest
Tel: +31 (0)71 5312283 / 5317513
Fax: +31 (0)71 5321833
Website: www.bouwlust.nl
E-mail: bouw@bouwlust.nl
Direktie: Cees en Petra Kassenberg

Internaat "Renswoudehuis" - The Hague
Jozef Israëlsplein 36, 2596 AV The Hague
Tel: +31 (0) 70 3244052
Fax: +31 (0) 70 3282032
Website: www.renswoudehuis.nl
Email: info@renswoudehuis.nl
Direkteur: Jeroen van den Brink

Herbergh "De Soete Hofstee"
Theo en Anneke Spandaw
Mearsterpaed 8, 9081 AK Lekkum
Tel: +31 (0)58 2661948
Fax: +31 (0)58 2661904
E-mail: info@soetehofstee.nl
Website: www.soetehofstee.nl

International School Eerde
Principal: Mr. H.G. Voogd /Head of Boarding Mr. E. Lock
Kasteellaan 1, 7731 PJ Ommen
Tel: +31 (0)529 451452
Fax +31 (0) 529 456377
E-mail: info@eerde.nl
Website: www.eerde.nl

Higher Education

In the Netherlands the higher education system is a binary system, composed of Wetenschappelijk Onderwijks (WO – university education) and Hoger Beroepsonderwijks (HBO – professional higher education).

In addition there are Open Universiteit (OU – Open University) for distance learning and International Onderwijks (IO – International Education), generally in English, designed to meet the needs of foreign students.

Professional Higher Education: technical/vocational type – non-university level
HBO provides preparation for professional practice. Hogescholen (Universities of Professional Education) provide four- year degree programmes

At the end of the four-year degree programs provided by Hogescholen (Universities of Professional Education), the title of Ingenieur or Baccalaureus –internationally known as Bachelor- is obtained. HBO graduates can proceed to post graduate programs.

For an overview of the Hogenscholen in The Netherlands, see the following website:
www.inholland.nl

University

All Universities have now switched to the international Bachelor / Master system.

After completing University there is an optional stage, called Doctoraat. It is a research degree and the highest university degree in The Netherlands.

A list of Dutch universities can be found at : www.vsnu.nl

Non-traditional Studies: Distance Learning at Open University

Open Universiteit offers courses in Social Sciences, Management and Administrative

Science, Law, Arts, Economics, Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Certificates can be obtained as qualification from one or more courses and a Diploma is awarded upon completion of courses combined into a short study program.

Open Universiteit provides also Doctoraal degree courses and the degree awarded is equivalent to a degree awarded by a regular University or other higher education institution.

More information can be found at following website: www.ou.nl

International Education
The International study Programs in English have been designed with International students and professional in mind.
Examples of higher education institutions offering this courses are:
• OPEN UNIVERSITY UK www.open.ac.uk
• WEBSTER UNIVERSITY www.webster.nl
• LEIDEN UNIVERSITY www.leiden.edu
• ERASMUS UNIVERSITY www.rsm.nl

For an overview of International study programs and courses, see the following website:
• www.studyin.nl
• www.nuffic.nl