Question 1

Who runs ESP Haarlem?

Accepted Answer

English Speaking Playgroup Haarlem is an informele verenigingrun by a small group of volunteers. We are always appreciative of more volunteers, if you would like to get involved in ESP, organizing events or meet-ups or helping with playgroup, get in touch!

Question 2

Why do I have to pay?

Accepted Answer

The annual donations to ESP Haarlem are used to pay rent on the premises for Monday playgroup, to rent venues for seasonal celebrations and events and to organise events and meet-ups for our members.
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There is no additional charge for any of the seasonal events or meet-ups throughout the year. In recent years, this has included an Easter egg hunt, Summer parties and picnics, Halloween and Christmas events for parents and kids, and various evening drinks and hobby groups.
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Throughout the year, we have members organize other social events, some of these may cost additional to the yearly membership cost. For example, movie night or wine tasting.

Question 3

Which membership should I buy?

Accepted Answer

We offer two types of membership, priced at 30.50€  and 63.50€. If you plan on coming to playgroup more than twice a month, plus the seasonal events, meet-ups and socials, it's best to choose the "2024 ESP membership + unlimited playgroup" 63.50€ membership. This membership option includes all of the Monday playgroup sessions for the year.
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If you are planning on joining us mostly for the seasonal events, meet-ups and socials, it would be best to choose the 30.50€ "2024 ESP membership". And if you'd like to come to playgroup, you're more than welcome, each session costs 2.50€/child, payable online only.

Question 4

How can I stay up-to-date?

Accepted Answer

Follow us on Instagram or get in touch via email! We look forward to hearing from you!
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If you choose to join ESP, please turn on post notifications on our members' Facebook group so you don't miss out on an event or meet-up invite.
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When you join, you can choose to receive our email newsletter and/or to join our Whatsapp group, which is used to send updates on playgroup, meet-ups and events. You don't need to worry about being swamped with notifications - the group is only used for updates from the committee.

Question 5

What if I can't join the Monday playgroup?

Accepted Answer

ESP Haarlem is so much more than 'just' a playgroup!
 
We have families with children of all ages - some are 'playgroup regulars', others have 'graduated' from playgroup and gone on to full time school and there are families with older children who join us for events and celebrations. 
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Seasonal celebrations like Halloween, our Easter egg hunt and Summer picnic are always a fun way to share traditions from home.
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We meet up during school holidays, weekends and on weekday afternoons so there are plenty of opportunities for the older children to get together.

Question 6

Who can be a member?

Accepted Answer

We are lucky enough to have members from all over the world. Some of us have been living in the Netherlands for many years; some have just arrived and are busy exploring and settling in. Our connecting thread is that we all speak English, yes this means Dutchies are more than welcome in the community, and you'll often hear other languages at our gatherings, too!

Our families have children of all ages - in addition to Monday playgroup we plan afternoon, weekend and school holiday meet-ups for children in full-time school. We ask for your children's ages when you join ESP, so that we can be sure to plan events for all of our members.

Question 7

Question not answered?

Accepted Answer

No problem! Drop us an email, or DM us on Instagram or Facebook. One of our volunteers will get back to you as soon as we can.

Frequently asked questions