New Integral Child Center to transform education and childcare in Zoetermeer's Seghwaert
Families in Zoetermeer’s Seghwaert neighborhood will soon benefit from a modern, sustainable Integral Child Center (IKC), replacing outdated schools. The new facility promises better education, childcare, and community spaces, with construction set to begin in 2027 if approved.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Parties Involved | Municipality of Zoetermeer, Unicoz (education group), gro-up (childcare) |
| Location | Velddreef, current site of De Touwladder, Seghwaert, Zoetermeer |
| Schools Replaced | De Touwladder, De Hofvijver |
| Features | Sustainable design, energy-efficient, modern facilities, new gymnasium |
| Timeline | Council decision expected in 2026; construction start planned for late 2027 |
| Alderman | Marijke van der Meer (Education and Real Estate) |
| Childcare Provider | gro-up (Regional Director: Annemiek de Jong) |
| Education Provider | Unicoz Onderwijsgroep (Board Member: Daphne van der Aa) |
The Municipality of Zoetermeer is responsible for local education infrastructure and collaborates with schools and childcare providers to improve facilities for residents. This initiative aligns with its goal to enhance community well-being through integrated, modern educational and childcare services.
Read the full translated article below
Municipality of Zoetermeer, Unicoz and gro-up sign letter of intent for IKC Seghwaert
The Municipality of Zoetermeer, education group Unicoz and childcare provider gro-up signed a letter of intent on April 1, outlining their agreements regarding cooperation in the new Integral Child Center (IKC) Seghwaert to be built.
The new IKC will replace the two existing schools De Touwladder and De Hofvijver and will be located at the current site of De Touwladder on Velddreef. By signing the agreement, the three parties express their intention to collaborate in the new building.
Collaboration
"The municipality places great value on collaboration between education and childcare, so that children can attend a familiar location where they know the people around them," said Alderman Marijke van der Meer (Education and Real Estate).
Annemiek de Jong, Regional Director at gro-up, confirms this: "Together for children, families and the neighborhood in Zoetermeer – that’s what we’re aiming for!"
Modern and sustainable building
The current school buildings are outdated and no longer fully meet modern requirements for education and childcare. The new IKC will be designed sustainably and energy-efficiently, with modern facilities and a new gymnasium that can also be used for extracurricular activities. Daphne van der Aa, Member of the Board of Directors at Unicoz Onderwijsgroep, states: "The new IKC to be built offers the opportunity to continue providing all students in Seghwaert with sustainable, high-quality education."
The council proposal for the new construction has been submitted to the municipal council, which is expected to discuss it later this year. If approved, construction could likely begin at the end of 2027.