Free from school for a special occasion.

Sometimes there is a special event on a day your child should go to school. For example, a religious holiday, wedding, or funeral. Can you keep your child home on those days? Do you need permission for this? And what rules apply?

Free for religious event

Do you want your child to have time off during school for an important religious holiday, such as the sacrifice feast or the Holi festival? Or does your child take part in an important religious event, such as the holy communion or confirmation? Then you can keep your child home for a maximum of one day. You must notify the school principal at least two days in advance.

Can i keep my child home during carnival?

You cannot keep your child home for carnival. Because the celebrations mostly take place on the weekend, the ministry of education thinks there is enough chance to enjoy the festival. In practice, most schools in carnival regions plan a week of holiday in this period.

Read more about scheduled days off at school

Free for special occasion

Do you want to take your child to a wedding, funeral, anniversary, or another important event? Then you can ask the school principal for time off. The principal decides if you can keep your child home. The principal weighs the importance of your child’s education against being at the special event. Some schools have their own rules about this. Always check.

Make your request to school well in advance or as soon as possible. If your child stays away for no more than ten days, you can apply to the school principal. If it is more than ten days, only the attendance officer can give permission.

Read more about taking a vacation outside school holidays