We are Flexiforum - Ratatouille Children's Center

In the coming weeks, we will introduce you to some of Flexiforum's tenants. They will tell you about their experiences with this striking building and how they are building a new community together. This time the word: Larissa Peters, of Ratatouille Children's Center.

Director of Children's Center Ratatouille, Larissa Peters, chose to make a big change in her career after 10 years on the markt . "At one point I felt like I was standing still in my development. And if there's anything I find annoying, it's stagnation. I had several degrees and quite a bit of experience in such fields as residential counseling of young adults and childcare. I quickly developed a strong desire to work with children again. As an independent entrepreneur, so that I could shape my own future. I started as a guest parent, offering optimal flexibility and attention to the family. The downside was that it completely absorbed me 7 days a week.

I wanted to keep my principles of flexibility and attention, but in a different form. That led to the plan for Children's Center Ratatouille. A place where there is not only personal attention for the child, but at least as much for the parents. A place not just for care, but where there is help in shaping the developmental needs of a child.

Flexiforum?

But where do you locate such a Children's Center? We were looking for a special place that fits the principles of Ratatouille. A place that invites to go on an adventure. Where we can offer daily activities and adventures in art, nature and exercise. In addition to good care, we wanted to offer something special to the children: new experiences! Consider our pets, two Flemish giants, who sympathize with the children. We also offer shantala baby massage. One of our pedagogical staff members has been trained for this. She also gives courses on this to young parents with newborn babies. We also work with different hand puppets during our program, and offer aromatherapy in our snooze rooms. Such a diverse range of activities required a very flexible building. And that's what we found!

Flexiforum!

When I began my search for a nice place for the Children's Center, the Flexiforum was not at all obvious. It is a big building, especially for small children. When I discussed my plan and desires for a location with the municipality, the Alderman recommended that I take a look at the Flexiforum. I did, and I must say, I could actually check off all the boxes. Flexiforum offers large, open spaces and oceans of light. I could totally see it for myself. Ratatouille could offer flexible child care in Flexiforum, where as parents you would love to bring your child. I also see that children really experience it as a second home.

Learning from each other

In the Flexiforum, we have many fine neighbors. Companies and institutions that are also focused on cooperation. This starts by literally sitting next to each other and asking the question: 'What do you actually do? Then you quickly discover what knowledge and skills the other has to offer. As a professional and as a human being. Knowledge and skills that you can mutually benefit from. I also see plenty of opportunities for collaboration in Flexiforum. For example, you could make optimal use of the outdoor space by arranging it together with organizations that serve the same target group. Or organize a fun day together for the neighborhood. Flexiforum tastes like more. Ratatouille is allowed to expand the number of child places after an inspection by the GGD and we want to open more branches in the future. Flexiforum is then a good example of how that can be done."