Under the temporary name Nieuw Bergschenhoek, we are developing a bilingual Montessori childcare and education centre (English–Dutch) for children aged 0 to 12, bringing childcare, education and development together under one roof. Every child is given the space to develop at their own pace. The child’s development and learning needs are the starting point, rather than a fixed teaching method or age alone. Children work with carefully designed Montessori materials, either independently, one-to-one with a teacher or in small groups. Our specially trained teachers pay close attention to what each child needs. They encourage children to discover their unique interests and talents and give them the freedom to make their own choices. We have high expectations of every child and provide appropriate guidance based on a strong foundation of support. Children who need additional challenge are offered an enriched programme for gifted education.

Children learn about nature, spend time learning outdoors and explore art, music and movement. They learn to see connections between different subject areas and discover how they themselves can contribute to the world around them. The children prepare a warm, healthy lunch together and enjoy it as a group. They can choose from a wide variety of activities and materials, giving them a strong sense of autonomy. They are given plenty of responsibility and develop motivation and a love of learning. All of this takes place in a rich, inspiring and welcoming environment where children feel safe and at home. Additional activities, such as museum visits and excursions further enrich their education. In this way, children grow into curious, independent global citizens who are confident in themselves.

Within the centre, childcare, early-years education, primary education and after-school development are closely connected. Children develop within one shared educational vision, supported by one team of professionals and a continuous learning and development pathway. This gives children and parents consistency and clarity and enables us to follow each child’s development over a longer period. Our professionals are highly skilled and work closely with children, parents and partners in the local community. In this way, the centre becomes a meeting place where education, childcare, sport, culture, care and wellbeing all contribute to children’s broad development.

Nieuw Bergschenhoek will become part of SARO: Samen Ambitieus Rotterdams Onderwijs. SARO is the educational organisation responsible for more than fifty primary and secondary schools in and around Rotterdam. These schools work together around one shared promise: Every child, every opportunity. This collaboration also gives children the chance to become familiar with different types of secondary education at an early stage, helping them discover which next step suits them best. We aim to open in August 2028. Until then, we will continue developing the centre together with children, parents and partners: a place where children feel welcome, are given every opportunity and learn to face the world with confidence.

Can you see your child enjoying learning, growing and discovering the world here?

Help make this new school initiative possible by submitting a parental declaration of support before the end of October 2026. By doing so, you show that you support the creation of this new school. A parental declaration of support is not an enrolment and does not commit you to anything. Your support, however, can make all the difference!