Move from group 2 to group 3.

How long does a child stay in kindergarten?

Kindergarten lasts two years: group 1 and 2. Because children go to primary school after their fourth birthday, not every child starts at the same time in the school year. This can cause confusion about when a child moves from group 1 to 2 or from 2 to 3. The school decides based on your child’s development if they move to the next group. Is your child birthday at the start of the year? Then your child probably spends a bit less than two full years in kindergarten. If the birthday is near the end of the year, your child likely stays longer.

A school sets its own rules for longer kindergarten (and repeating). These rules are in the educational policy of the school. The school must mention this policy in the school plan. How long your child stays in kindergarten depends on when they start and how fast they develop.

If your child needs more time to get used to school, the school can decide to let them stay in kindergarten longer than two years. This is not called repeating but kindergarten extension. Some schools look at the birthdate of the child, but this cannot be the only factor in deciding if the child moves on or not.

How does the school decide if a kindergartner stays shorter or longer?

The teacher looks at your child’s development. For example, if your child can write their own name, concentrate on a task, and show interest in numbers. The teacher also watches how your child deals with classmates, expresses feelings, and considers others. Physical development is important too, such as holding a pencil or pen.

Your child’s development happens in steps. What your child cannot do one day might be easy the next. A child might not be ready for group 3 in January but may be ready by May or June. It is important to wait and see how your child develops in the last months. The school keeps track of every child’s development in a student monitoring system.

The role of parents

The school decides if your child moves to the next group. There are no legal rules for this. The school guide explains the school’s rules about moving on and repeating.

During kindergarten, the teacher keeps you informed about your child’s development. This can happen at set moments like parent meetings or anytime if needed. Moving to group 3 is often a natural step. Sometimes the school doubts if a child is ready for group 3. Many schools then ask parents for their opinion. You can also talk to the teacher if you have doubts.

You can ask yourself these questions:

• Can your child concentrate on a task for a longer time?
• Is your child independent?
• Does your child play with older or younger children in class?
• Does your child show interest in writing, reading, and math?
• Can your child write their own name?
• Is your child ready for a new challenge?
• Is your child still very playful?
• What does your child say about it?

Group 0 and the old October rule

For the move from group 2 to group 3, some schools look at your child’s birthday. This is because of the old October first rule. Until 1985, a child could only move from kindergarten to primary school if the child turned six before October first. This rule was removed in 1985. Since then, schools look at your child’s development.

Some schools still use this rule, for example by putting your child in group 0. Some schools use January first as the limit. But your child’s birthdate cannot decide if they move or stay.