Elementary school child - child and school
Compulsory education starts when children turn 5, but most children start attending elementary school at age 4. Compulsory education means that children aged 5 to 18 must complete elementary school and attend an education until they obtain the basic qualification. You may choose which elementary school to enroll your child in.
What would you like to know more about?
You are required to have your child attend school. Schools must check that all students are there. Unauthorized school absenteeism (keeping your child home without good reason) is punishable. The school must then alert the municipal school attendance officer.
Compulsory education
Compulsory education means that children aged 5 to 18 must complete elementary school and attend school until they have obtained a starting qualification. A starting qualification is a diploma at HAVO, VWO, MBO level 2 or higher.
You are required to have your child attend school. Schools must check that all students are there. Unauthorized school absenteeism (keeping your child home without good reason) is punishable. The school must then alert the municipal school attendance officer. More information about compulsory education can be found on the website of the Rijksoverheid. You can also find information on the website Opvoeden.
Reception
Do you and your partner both work? If so, you may need care for your child. Your child can go to out-of-school care, guest parent care or a regular babysitter. See Childcare for more information.
Problems at school
Are there problems at school? Please contact your child's teacher or the in-house counselor (IB'er). They will help you and your child. Look in the school guide or on the school website who you should contact.
If your child misbehaves seriously and there is no improvement, they may be expelled from school, or suspended. You can read more about this on the Raising website.
Pupil Transport
Pupil transport is transportation to and from school for children who cannot go to school by themselves. Pupil transport is for children who attend (special) primary education or (special) secondary education. But only if they cannot go to school by themselves due to their disability.
You apply for pupil transportation at the municipality's CMD. You can read more about it at Pupil Transport.
Bullying
Is your child being bullied at school or bullying others? Is your child being bullied over the Internet? See Safety and Violence for advice on how to deal with it.
Children who are being bullied can call the Children's Phone. Or check the website of Pestweb. On Help Wanted and Ask the Police they can ask questions and chat.
Call the Children's Phone: 0800 0432