Search by subject?
Type your subject here
Absence from school for a special occasion.
Sometimes there is an important 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?
Time off for religious event
Do you want your child to have time off during school hours for an important religious holiday, such as Eid al-Adha or Holi? Or does your child take part in an important religious event, like the holy communion or confirmation? Then you may keep your child home for a maximum of one day. You must tell the school director at least two days in advance.
Can I keep my child home during carnival?
You may not keep your child home for carnival. Since most celebrations happen during the weekend, the ministry of education sees enough chance to celebrate. In practice, most schools in the carnival region plan a week of holiday during this time.
Time off 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 director for time off. The director decides if you may keep your child home. They weigh your child’s education against the chance to attend the event. Some schools have their own rules. Always check these first.
Make your request at school in plenty of time or as soon as you can. If your child misses no more than ten days, you can ask the school director. If it is more than ten days, only the truancy officer can give permission.
Related Subjects
data school holidays 2025/2026
The school holidays for 2025/2026 are set by the government. Schools can also plan their own holidays and days off.
Read moreDistance education
Your child can get education at a distance under certain conditions, also called online education.
Read moreSchoolverzuim
It is possible that children cannot or do not want to go to school for different reasons. How do you deal with this school absence as a parent?
Read moreHome schooling
In the Netherlands, we assume all children attend school, but that is not always true.
Read more