Search by subject?
Type your subject here
Exception compulsory education for four-year-olds.
From four years old your child can start primary school. The duty of care does not apply yet. Under some conditions you can keep your child at home. Some schools offer toddlers a tailored education program. What are the rules? What should parents keep in mind?
Keeping four-year-olds at home
When your child turns four, they can officially start primary school. At this age your child is not yet under the duty of care. This means you can keep your child at home in agreement with the school without consequences for the duty of care.
This way your child can first get used to the new school environment and the school routine. As a parent, you can choose to let your four-year-old go to school for a few days or half days first. This helps make the change smoother.
Keeping five-year-olds at home
Different rules apply for five-year-olds. As soon as your child turns five, the duty of care starts. This means your child must fully take part in the school’s education program.
There are some exceptions though. You can keep your child at home up to five hours per week without asking for permission. This can help if your child is tired or has trouble with the school routine.
If you want your child to miss more than five hours a week, you must get permission from the school principal.
Incomplete education program for four-year-olds
Some primary schools choose to offer an incomplete education program. There can be many reasons for this, such as not enough teachers or too many classes. This means your four-year-old child can go to school fewer hours per week.
The school may schedule half days or fewer days per week. Keep talking with the school to understand how the program will look and what this means for your child.
Note: Your child has the right to 7,520 hours of education during the whole primary school period. The school must offer these hours from when your child starts primary school at age four or five. This must also be written in the school guide.
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.
Related Subjects
Preparing for the first school day
Read our tips to prepare your toddler and yourself well for the first school day.
Read moreSchool and toilet training
What if accidents happen while your child is already at school? Read all about toilet training.
Read moreTypes of schools
Different types of primary education: how to choose the right primary school for your child?
Read moreThis is what your child learns in the kindergarten class
Discover what your child learns in kindergarten and read our helpful tips.
Read more