Mediation between parents and school.

Legal process does not always lead to a solution

There are different complaints committees in and around education where parents can go if they feel someone working for the school crossed a line. Every school must be connected to a complaints committee. Parents often find complaint processes complicated. Sometimes you do not want to solve things legally but want to talk together.

What is mediation

Mediation offers a way to find a solution together without starting legal procedures. Independent mediators guide talks between parents and school to find a solution that both accept. It is important that both parents and school want to cooperate. This shows they still trust they can solve it together by talking. The cost of mediation is discussed before the process starts.

Free options for mediation

Mediation helps to find a solution together without legal procedures. Different mediators work in the country who can help guide talks between parents and school to find a solution that both accept. This type of mediation is growing. The options are:

• Verus: Parents and schools can ask Verus to mediate in a case. This is for schools that are members of Verus, the association for Christian and Catholic education.
• VOS/ABB: Schools can hire a mediator if they are members of VOS/ABB, the association of public and generally accessible schools. Parents can tell the school about this possibility.
• Onderwijsgeschillen: Parents and schools can use mediation via Onderwijsgeschillen. It offers mediation for all types of conflicts in education. This is possible for all schools connected to Onderwijsgeschillen.
• Mediator federation register: Everyone – also parents – in trouble can choose a mediator who is a member of the mediator federation, a group of certified mediators. This kind of mediation costs money. It is possible to ask for a subsidy via the legal aid board. Getting a subsidy depends on income.

Most mediation options in education have no cost for parents except the last one.

More information

Ouders & Onderwijs advises parents on ways to discuss or raise a matter in a situation. To talk with Ouders & Onderwijs, you can contact our advice point by phone at 088-6050101 or by email at vraag@oudersonderwijs.nl.