Over the next few years, Kober Childcare will transform its more than 180 outdoor spaces into playful, engaging spaces. Kober will collaborate with a landscape architect to design the outdoor spaces according to the same vision. The central principle: providing space for development. Preparations for the first four gardens have already begun. 

At Kober, playing, learning, and raising children all come together. This is reflected in the design of each Kober location. Since 2018, Kober has worked tirelessly to provide each location with pleasant, well-balanced indoor spaces. Now it's time for the next step: the outdoor spaces.

Pedagogical principles as a starting point for a vision of outdoor space

Designing an outdoor space deserves time and attention. Kober has therefore formulated a comprehensive vision for designing outdoor spaces. The central idea is that "outdoors" are a logical extension of "indoors." six pedagogical principles of Kober form the foundation of this vision. This makes the outdoor space an integral part of Kober's childcare.

Outdoor spaces offer optimal space for development

At Kober, children have ample outdoor space to develop. A varied outdoor space, for example, allows children to make choices and build self-confidence. Giving children space to move also contributes to the development of motor skills. A well-balanced outdoor space also offers children the opportunity to meet and play alongside and with each other.

In Kober's outdoor spaces, children have ample opportunity to climb and clamber. There's also room for carrying and building, as well as running, cycling, socializing, exploring, and being amazed. Greenery also plays a role. Kober provides plants that invite touch, smell, look, and taste. A location can also opt for a vegetable garden, for example.

Considerable job started after four pilot locations

With 180 locations, there's considerable diversity. Some locations have their own outdoor space, while others share it with the school or the neighborhood. This means a plan must be developed for each outdoor space. Based on the Kober vision, the landscape architect creates a design for each location. In places where Kober shares a location, we collaborate with partners. We also involve the local parent committee in this process.

The outdoor areas of the first four pilot locations were renovated in 2023. Harlekijn (Breda), Prikkebeek (Prinsenbeek), de Stee (Teteringen), and Dol-fijn (Roosendaal) now have new outdoor spaces that are very popular with both children and staff. Starting in 2024, we will select 15 locations each year to work on. For locations where the outdoor space is essentially good and doesn't (yet) require modifications, we will offer workshops and other forms of inspiration and support. This will allow all locations to increase their outdoor play efforts. It is expected to take several years to renovate all Kober's outdoor spaces and design them according to a single, recognizable format.