New general terms and conditions for the sector

The General Terms and Conditions from the Social Childcare Sector Association (BMK) form the basis for the contracts between parents and childcare providers. The general T&Cs for the sector will change from 1 March 2025. This page lists many of the frequently asked questions about these new sector terms and conditions.

Why is the sector association changing the sector T&Cs?

The sector T&Cs date back to 2016 and the sector association wanted to update them. The new sector T&Cs are more aligned with the latest social, practical, and legal developments and were drawn up to capture real life as clearly and accurately as possible.

When will the updated sector T&Cs come into effect?

The new terms and condition for the sector from the Social Childcare Sector Association (BMK) will be valid from 1 March 2025. This means that the new sector T&Cs will automatically apply to new contracts from 1 March 2025.

The existing sector T&Cs from the Social Childcare Sector Association (BMK) will still apply until 1 March 2025.

What will change in the new sector terms and conditions compared to the old sector terms and conditions?

The new sector T&Cs contain several clarifications and amendments, focusing on consumer rights. The new sector terms and conditions are more favourable for parents in particular. Here are some of the most important changes:

After you sign a contract, you can cancel it within 14 days after signing. There is no need for you to state why you want to cancel the contract.
Rates can be changed only once per year. Previously, childcare organisations were allowed to change rates more often.
In the event of a rate change, you have the option to cancel your contract immediately and without notice from 40 days before the rate change until 14 days after the rate change.

Full 2025 terms and conditions are available at > the new sector terms and conditions.

Why do I have to give my approval?

The new sector terms and conditions state that the childcare organisation must agree changes in the general sector terms and conditions with the parent. As such, the unilateral change clause has been removed from the sector T&Cs. This is the reason we require your approval for changes to the general sector T&Cs.

What happens if I do not agree to the new sector terms and conditions?

If you do not agree to the new sector T&Cs, the 2016 sector T&Cs will apply to your contract(s) (signed before 1 March 2025).

For contracts signed from 1 March 2025 the sector T&Cs of 2025 apply.

How do I approve or reject the new general sector terms and conditions?

Open the Parent Portal. When you log in to the Parent Portal, from Wednesday February 26th you will see a pop-up with the new general sector terms and conditions. You can either approve or reject the new sector terms and conditions. Please note: you can submit your decision once, this choice cannot be changed afterwards.

Find more information on how to access the Parent Portal here.