“I wanted a place where I could leave my child with a nice and safe feeling. After all, I am entrusting my most precious possession to strangers.” Ginger drives three days a week from Rotterdam-Zuid to Wiedewei Paddewei in Barendrecht for her son Collin (3). “And we do that with all our love,” she says enthusiastically.
A place that felt right immediately
After a tour of the facility, Ginger was sold. She was immediately enthusiastic about the daycare's spacious garden. “Our son just wants to romp, climb, and clamber around. With a garden like this, that is naturally perfect!” In addition, Ginger appreciates that there is plenty of play space indoors as well. She explains that the green, natural look extends from the outside to the inside. Ginger works in childcare herself and therefore knows how the care contributes to children's development. Partly for this reason, she considers herself picky, but also grateful: “Every day I can drop off my child here with a tremendous sense of confidence, with the sweetest and nicest childcare professionals there are! Dropping him off and picking him up always feels like coming home.”
Playing outdoors, discovering and growing
According to Ginger, one of the big advantages is that the children play outside a lot, learning in nature and doing many activities there. In the spring, the children closely follow how a caterpillar grows into a butterfly, which they then release together. They also sow vegetables and plants. And being outside is wonderful for the very little ones too, according to Ginger. “Because how nice is it that the babies can sleep outside but also play happily in the grass?” Ginger also appreciates the attention paid to responsible food and drink. Collin gets a warm, healthy meal at lunchtime. “For us, that is a real added value.”
Completely in his element at Wiedewei Paddewei
Ginger thinks that spending so much time outdoors suits her son perfectly. “He can burn off his energy outside and learn at the same time.” Ginger laughs: “If Collin has dirty clothes when I pick him up, he’s had a good day, I always say. And he always comes home with dirty clothes and then enjoys a nice bath or shower. A few weeks ago, Collin was sitting in a huge puddle of mud that had formed after they had been playing with water. He was happily playing with a bucket and shovel, playing with sand and water; he was completely in his element!”
Every child is allowed to be themselves.
What Ginger also appreciates is the space Collin is given to develop at his own pace and in his own way; the pedagogical professionals follow the child's lead in this. “In my opinion, that is the best way to ensure all areas of development are addressed. I notice that Collin is truly seen here and that every child receives the attention he or she needs and deserves. We are simply extremely satisfied with that.”
As a parent, you also feel seen.
Ginger consciously chose this location, even though she doesn't live nearby. “For me, a good feeling and trust are worth more than going to the daycare around the corner just because it’s convenient. When we come in here, there is immediate attention for Collin, but also for me. I also feel insecure sometimes or have questions. There is always time and space for that.” Sometimes Collin finds it difficult to say goodbye. Ginger explains that he is always very kindly supported and comforted by the pedagogical professionals. “They send me a message later with a photo saying that he is doing well again and playing happily. That way, I can also go to work with a nice and reassured feeling.”
A place you must experience
According to Ginger, it is primarily the warm atmosphere that convinces parents. “I was just recently telling another parent how sweet the pedagogical professionals here are to the children. But actually, it is best to just go and see for yourself and experience how it feels. Most people fall for the nice, warm atmosphere that prevails here. We, too, fell for the charms of Wiedewei.”
