Focus points for the NP Education debate.

Focus points for the NP Education debate.

Monday 7 June there was a debate in the House of Representatives about the national education program (NP Education). Ouders & Onderwijs is positive about the amount of 5.8 billion euros set aside for education, but has a few focus points. We see more value in structural investments to tackle the teacher shortage. And there should be more focus on students with support needs and home sitters.

During the roundtable discussion on May 26, Ouders & Onderwijs asked attention for things that parents find important about the NP Education. Research among the Landelijk Ouderpanel about the impact of corona on education showed that learning delays seem mild. In primary education, half of the parents see no delay or even an advantage. In secondary education, learning delay is seen more often.

Learning delay

Children in secondary education have mainly experienced learning delays due to corona. Fifty-seven percent of parents see this with their child, of which 15 percent see a big delay. In primary education, one third see a learning delay with their child. On the other hand, 16 percent see an advantage.

Well-being

The results also showed that the long school closure had a negative impact on the well-being of many students. Forty-six percent of parents see that their child feels worse, of which 13 percent say their child feels much worse. Over one third of parents see no difference. Here, secondary school students also seem to suffer more negative effects than primary school students.

Structural extra money

When we ask parents about their experiences, learning delays are not too bad, but parents worry mainly about social development. Therefore, Ouders & Onderwijs calls for structural extra money to solve long-standing problems. We also like that the participation council is involved. Furthermore, we ask attention for children with support needs and home-sitters. ‘The best way to overcome the corona effects is and remains structural investment in qualified teachers, smaller classes, and more help in the classroom,’ says Lobke Vlaming, director of Ouders & Onderwijs. ‘We support spreading the money over a longer time or, even better, using it structurally for a stronger foundation for education.’

Involve school participation council

Ouders & Onderwijs also finds it essential to involve parents in the plans. It is important that the guide developed for the school participation council really comes to the council’s table.

Students with support needs and home-sitters

Another point for NP Education is to pay extra attention to children with support needs. The tailored work needed is not directly in the intervention “menu.” Ouders & Onderwijs asks schools to have some freedom and encourages them to make tailored work possible for these children. Also, children who stay at home and do not go to school should benefit from NP Education. We want explicit requirements for schools to make individual plans closely with parents.

Landelijk Ouderpanel

The corona study was done among parents in the Landelijk Ouderpanel. A total of 1,436 parents joined the online study; the results represent all parents in the Netherlands. Do you also want to give your opinion about your child’s education? Join too!

Complete study

To see more results, check the corona and education report. Below is the talk by director Lobke Vlaming. She spoke to members of parliament at the roundtable discussion on May 26.

Questions

For more information, please see our frequently asked questions or our earlier news article. This shows the details of the NP Education. Of course, you can also contact our staff. By e–mail: vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or by phone: 088-6050101. We are available on weekdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.