Distance education.

Sometimes it is possible to follow education outside of school. This is called distance education. What is it exactly? When can your child get distance education? And what about costs and supervision?

Who is distance education for?

Distance education can be set up in the following situations:

• If your child stays in a care institution and cannot go to school. 
• If your child is temporarily or permanently at home for any reason. 
• If your child cannot or can only partly go to school because of illness.

Forms of distance education

There are different forms of distance education and digital support: 

• Your child follows the class lessons through a digital connection. For example, via Zoom, a webcam, or a robot in the classroom. This can also be combined with school education. Then a child goes to school for some hours and follows part of the education remotely.  
• Your child follows their own program outside of class. For example, through an individual learning path or with a teacher who comes home. 
• Organizations that mainly provide digital education. 
• Distance education can also take place at a care location or another place than school. 

How do you arrange distance education?

In most cases, the school arranges distance education. Schools can provide this themselves or use an organization that helps them. The school where your child is registered remains responsible for your child’s education. 

If your child is not registered at a school, you can also contact the first point of contact in your region about the possibilities for distance education. The partnership Tailored Education in your area is the first contact for this.  

What are the costs for distance education?

Usually, the school is responsible for your child’s education. This means the school where your child is registered pays for distance education. Sometimes with help from the partnership Tailored Education.

Supervision of distance education 

The education inspectorate supervises the quality of education in our country. This also applies when your child follows distance education temporarily. 

The inspectorate also supervises Dutch schools abroad. Organizations that provide distance education to Dutch children abroad and are connected to the Stichting NOB are also supervised by the education inspectorate. 

Distance education abroad

If you live abroad with your family or move abroad, for example for work, you can have your children follow Dutch education at a distance. The Stichting NOB ensures that children can follow Dutch education worldwide through a global network. On their website, you can find a list of organizations that provide distance education abroad.