Flemish childcare places hit 10-year low, but minister promises improvements

Despite significant investments by the Flemish government, the number of available childcare places in Flanders, Belgium, has fallen to its lowest level in 10 years. In 2025, the total number of licensed places stood at 92,819 across 5,389 locations, marking a notable decline from previous years.

The primary driver of this reduction is the cessation of work by registered childminders, which led to the disappearance of 1,308 places. Compounding this, an additional 2,500 places that were no longer in use were also removed from the count during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend contrasts sharply with the Flemish government's allocation of funds for 10,000 new places, with a focus on 6,000 income-related spots.

However, the situation for parents seeking care has seen a slight improvement in terms of availability relative to demand. The number of children under three years old has decreased more sharply than the number of places, leading to an increase in the ratio of available spots per 100 children, from 45.66 to 46.07. Furthermore, childcare is becoming more affordable, with 85.4% of places now operating on an income-related basis, a significant rise from 72.5% a decade ago. The average daily cost for such care in 2025 was approximately 18 euros.

Minister of Welfare Caroline Gennez (Vooruit) has acknowledged the challenges and promised future improvements, stating, "The train has left." To counter the decline in childminder numbers, the Flemish government is investing an additional 14 million euros annually. These funds are earmarked for better wages for employed childminders, enhanced pedagogical support, installation and renovation grants for facilities, and strengthened social protection. The minister emphasized the crucial role of childminders as a pillar of the childcare system.

“

The train has left