Education disadvantage policy.

Primary schools get extra money from the government to help children with (a risk of) an education disadvantage. The school asks you as a parent for information to find out if your child has (a risk of) an education disadvantage. How does this work? And what does the school do with the information they get from you as a parent?

Am I required to give this information to the school?

It is not required to give information about your own education, home situation, and background to the school. If your child’s school asks for this information, you do not have to give it. The school can then not judge if they can use the education disadvantage policy, and they do not get extra money from the government.

How is the information used?

The information you give to the school is confidential. Schools only use this information to understand the support needs of your child and to request extra (learning) resources from the government if needed. The school must follow privacy rules.

What does the municipality do with the education disadvantage policy?

The municipality plays an important role in preventing and reducing education disadvantages. The municipality is responsible for pre- and early school education for children aged 2 to 6 who need extra help. The municipality gets money from the national government and must use this money to help young children develop as well as possible.

Every year, the municipality makes agreements with schools and childcare about how to prevent disadvantages together. These agreements are about how children grow up together, how to not separate groups of pupils too much in society, and how children get access to childcare and education. These agreements are often recorded in a local education agenda.

How does the municipality decide which children get extra support?

To decide which children risk an education disadvantage, the municipality uses data calculated by the national statistics office. These scores are about the education level of parents, the country of origin of the mother, and whether parents have debt restructuring. The government uses this data to give money to municipalities and schools. Municipalities with more children at risk get more resources to help them.

Municipalities can use this money in different ways. Think about extra guidance at school, transition classes, or after-school activities like a longer school day or summer schools.

Questions or personal advice?

Do you have questions about this topic, would you like advice regarding your situation, or just a listening ear? Then please contact us via 088-6050101, email vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or WhatsApp ons.