From registration to childcare place
When you register with Partou, our planners immediately check whether there is a place available at your preferred location on the right days and from the desired start date.
- Is there a place available (or partial availability)? Then you will immediately receive an offer for the days on which there is a place available.
- No place available for all days yet? Then you will be placed on the waiting list for the remaining days.
- Do you accept the offer for the available days? Then you will be given priority on the waiting list for the days for which there is no space yet.
As soon as a place becomes available, you as a parent will receive an email with an offer. You have six days to respond. ‘Parents usually respond quickly, but we will also contact you if it takes a little longer,’ says Sharona. After that, the offer expires and we make another parent happy with this place.
When will your application be processed?
You may have heard the term “planning horizon”. But what exactly do we mean by that? “The planning horizon – or actually: planning period – indicates how far ahead we can plan at a location,” explains Sharona. This varies per location. 'At one location, we can plan a year and a half ahead, while at another it is busier. In that case, we sometimes only plan a few months ahead, depending on cancellations from other parents.'
Why does it sometimes take longer?
Sharona understands that waiting can be stressful. ‘Parents want to know quickly. And we understand that very well.’ But making a good plan is custom work. ‘We take into account the group size, ages, staffing and – in the case of after-school care – transport from school. Sometimes it's not possible right away. But as soon as something changes, we'll take another look at your application.’
What can you do as a parent?
You can increase your chances of getting a place by being flexible:
- Consider less popular days (Wednesday and Friday).
- Being open to starting on a different date often helps too.
- Sometimes we have places available sooner at another location nearby.
- Always let us know if your preferences change, so that the waiting list remains up to date.
Your child really takes centre stage
Behind the scenes, our planners are constantly working to find the right match. And they do this not only with numbers, but above all with attention. ‘The best thing is when I can make a parent happy with a suitable place,’ says Sharona. ‘Then I know that a child is going to have a great time her