Must parents pay the voluntary parent contribution?.

Must parents pay the voluntary parent contribution?.

Primary and secondary education in the Netherlands is free. Parents do not pay to have their child attend this education. Still, schools can ask parents for a contribution. Parents choose whether they pay this contribution. That is why this is called the voluntary parent contribution. But what happens if you do not pay?

Unfortunately, paying the voluntary parent contributions is still not always ‘voluntary’. That is why Minister Slob asked the PO-Raad and VO-Raad to make agreements. This led to two clear agreements:

Agreement 1

Schools must communicate more clearly that paying the parent contribution is really voluntary. This follows the legal rules on this.

Agreement 2

Not paying the voluntary parent contribution cannot be a reason to exclude children from activities organized by the school. Offering an alternative when parents do not pay is not enough. Excluding a student is not allowed.

The PO-Raad has set the voluntary parent contribution well in primary education with these agreements. Ouders & Onderwijs is happy about that. Parents know exactly what to expect.

What Is Outside These Agreements

In secondary education, schools want to keep two things outside these agreements: The teaching programs like Bilingual Education (TTO), Technasium, and LOOT. And the costs of devices like Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets.

Minister Slob answered parliamentary questions about this. His answers leave space. He says parents do not have to pay for advanced teaching concepts or at least a free alternative must be available. He would like the VO-Raad to make agreements about this.

How Much Is The Voluntary Parent Contribution And What Is It Used For?

The amount differs per school. And what the school asks for varies. Many schools ask for money for a camp, workweek, or excursion. But also for a laptop, tablet, or teaching method like bilingual education.

The amount and purpose of the voluntary parent contribution are discussed with the Parent Section of the School participation council. The Parent Section must agree with the proposal for the voluntary parent contribution. Schools can decide themselves what they use the received contributions for after agreement with the Parent Section.

Excluding Children

Schools can ask for a contribution, but parents do not have to pay. Did you not pay for a required activity? Your child can still join. Every student must be able to follow mandatory lessons without parents paying. Parents never have to pay for mandatory lessons or material. Schools must make sure students can use these materials.

Schools use the voluntary parent contribution to pay for activities and materials not funded by the government. These are for example school trips, trips abroad, locker rent, museum visits, Sinterklaas and Christmas parties, or bilingual education. Did you not pay for an extra activity that is not required? The primary school cannot exclude your child. Your child can join everything. The secondary school can refuse your child for the activity. The school must provide care for your child then. The school guide tells if an activity is compulsory.

More information about exclusion is here.

What Does Ouders & Onderwijs Do To Prevent Exclusion Of Children?

Ouders & Onderwijs urges the education sector and Minister Slob to ensure equal chances in education. Parents’ money must not decide their child’s education. The Netherlands committed – especially through joining the IVRK and IVESCR – to not charge compulsory education with a voluntary parent contribution that is not voluntary but mandatory. The State and the education sector must follow this.

Is your child excluded? Contact our Information Point for more information and personal advice.

Update: Since 1 August 2021 the law about the voluntary parent contribution (in primary and secondary education) has become stricter. Main point: All students must be able to join activities the school organizes, even if parents do not pay the voluntary parent contribution. Schools must state this clearly in the school guide and school plan.