Distance education.

Sometimes it is possible to follow education at a place other than 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 used in the following situations:

• If your child stays in a care facility and cannot go to school. 
• If your child stays home temporarily or for a long time for any reason. 
• If your child cannot or can only partly go to school due to illness.

Types of distance education

There are different types 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 teaching at school. The child goes to school for some hours and follows part of the education from a distance.  
• Your child follows a personal program outside the class. For example, through an individual learning path or with a teacher who comes home. 
• Organizations mainly focused on digital education. 
• Distance education can also take place at a care location or other place than school. 

How to arrange distance education?

In most cases, the school arranges distance education. Schools can provide this themselves or hire an organization to help. 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 contact the Partnership Tailored Education in your region to ask about distance education options. 

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 Stichting NOB are also supervised by the education inspectorate. 

Distance education abroad

If you live abroad with your family or move abroad for work, you can have your children follow Dutch education from a distance. Stichting NOB has a global network so children can follow Dutch education in countries worldwide. On their website you find a list of organizations that provide distance education abroad.