Ouders & onderwijs Awards: A Look Back.

Ouders & onderwijs Awards: A Look Back.

Last autumn, Ouders & Onderwijs looked for the most parent-friendly school in the Netherlands. With this search, we highlighted schools that value parent involvement. On 22 November, we presented prizes to the winners. We look back on the past period.

The start of the search

The search for the most parent-friendly school in the Netherlands began a few months ago. Parents could nominate their school and explain why their school stands out in parent friendliness. We received many inspiring stories that showed the power of cooperation between parents and schools. From all these entries, the jury made a shortlist with three primary schools and three secondary schools. These schools were chosen because they practice parent involvement in a unique way. Parents could vote for these schools. After counting more than 2000 votes, Ouders & Onderwijs and the jury announced the winners and went out to give prizes.

On the road with a yellow school bus

The trip to the festive awards ceremony started in a special way. The team from Ouders & Onderwijs and the jury members got on a traditional yellow school bus. Early in the morning, the bus left for Zutphen, to Eligant Lyceum, where we not only gave awards but also felt the enthusiasm of students, parents, and staff at this school. The other winner of the Ouders & Onderwijs awards, de Schakel, was on the way back to Utrecht. There, we were overwhelmed by the number of parents who came to watch the ceremony and clearly saw why this school is the most parent-friendly primary school in the Netherlands.

The awards ceremonies

After an exciting nomination process, where stories and experiences were shared, the jury chose schools that set an example in parent involvement. They read through 100 nominations and counted more than 2000 votes.
The awards ceremony itself was a festive and meaningful moment. Both at Eligant Lyceum in Zutphen and at de Schakel in Utrecht, we were warmly welcomed by enthusiastic parents, staff, and students who were truly proud of their school. During the ceremony, aldermen, parents, and school directors spoke about parent involvement and showed their happiness clearly. The winners received a certificate and flowers as a prize for their excellent parent-friendly school.

Ode to the parent

The positive reception of the award clearly shows that parent involvement is an essential part of good education. Whether it is practical support and a close community, as at de Schakel, or strong communication and partnership, as at Eligant Lyceum, these schools show that involved parents and good cooperation with the school make the difference.

Positive Looking Back

During the search, for the 10th anniversary of Ouders & Onderwijs, for the most parent-friendly school in the Netherlands, we heard special, beautiful and inspiring stories from parents about parent involvement. With these awards, we did not only celebrate what already goes well in this area, but also learned about different ways of parent involvement and why this is so important. With this award, we asked for attention for parent involvement and parent friendliness in education in a positive way. And of course, we celebrated parents.

Want To Know More About The Relationship Between Parents And School?

Good cooperation between parents and school is essential for good education. Do you want to know more about communication with the school, working together or do you have other questions about this? Then read more about the relationship between parents and school.