Call From Parent Organizations To Politics: Give Education Top Priority.

Call From Parent Organizations To Politics: Give Education Top Priority.

Ouders & Onderwijs has together with other parent organizations given recommendations to the political parties. We let the voice of parents be heard: education must be high on the political agenda.

Ouders & Onderwijs has, together with Parent Association Balans, the Reformed Parent Association, For Working Parents and the Association for Public Education, given recommendations to the political parties participating in the general election on 29 October 2025.

Parents deserve an important place in education

The distance between parents, school governing bodies and policy has become too large. We call for more say and better cooperation. Think of mandatory parent consultation for important decisions, more support and training for school participation councils, small schools with accountable managers. Schools should also be able to separate from governing bodies.

Offer free learning materials and cost-free education

For many parents education is no longer free. Think of high costs for digital learning materials and school activities. We want all necessary learning materials to be free (not just textbooks). And the voluntary parent contribution should be abolished in primary education, and limited and transparent in secondary education.

Every child has a right to good education

The teacher shortage mostly affects children who need extra support. This increases inequality of opportunity. We call for structural investments in the teacher: better working conditions, good career options, and more training. Smaller classes, healthy school buildings and control over affordable and good teaching materials are also needed.

Ensure fair chances to continue learning

Children are now often placed in a box at a young age, while they develop in very different ways and speeds. This increases inequality of opportunity. We argue that the government should work towards a system where children have more time to discover their talents. This can be done by selecting later, better cooperation between education and childcare, and more room to continue or stack in secondary education. Also, one central secondary school transition test (instead of six) for all students helps.

Tailored Education must really be tailored

Too many children still fall outside the system. There is a need for a feasible plan for inclusive education. This plan includes smaller classes, good housing and enough expertise in schools. There must also be a right to education for every child, even if that falls outside the regular route. And student transport must be structurally better arranged.

More attention for parents in mbo

Parent involvement in mbo gets too little attention, while this has a big impact on study success. We propose that parent councils and participation be mandatory in mbo. We also call for fully free education for underage mbo students, including teaching materials, and the abolition of binding study advice.