Parent conversation important for school absence.

Parent conversation important for school absence.

Parents find a conversation with school important when their child is absent. They want to be treated as equal partners and think it is important that the child is also present. This is shown by research by Ouders & Onderwijs among the parent panel in cooperation with Ingrado (association for compulsory education and RMC).

Parents mainly need clear information about the next steps after reporting the absence. Regular contact is important to prevent absence and to monitor the wellbeing of children together. By positioning compulsory education better, schools and parents can use the knowledge and experience of the compulsory education officer at an earlier stage.

Read more in the complete research. The main conclusions are in the report. Or view the infographic.

Joining Forces

How can parents, child, and compulsory education officer work together when a student is often absent? About 30 parents and compulsory education officers discussed this online on Wednesday evening, April 21.

Difference In Starting Point

The starting point of parents and compulsory education officers is completely different, it turned out. Parents see compulsory education as an extension of the school. The present compulsory education officers showed that it is different for them and that they can mean a lot for student and parents. They are often only involved late. By then the situation is often serious and difficult. Compulsory education officers were very clear about their role: “We want to join forces with parents and students and make sure students can go back to school or follow education.”

Parents And Student First

The question was what is needed to let the compulsory education officer, parent, and child work together. First, it is important to hear the child and involve them well. This depends on the age. Also, not only look at how the child can go to school but ask what the child needs. For parents it is important that the process is transparent and clear.

Information Provision

Compulsory education officers fulfill their task differently. There is a need for better information about what the compulsory education officer does and when the parent can consult them. The parents present mostly had negative experiences with compulsory education and were therefore distrustful. Despite this, the conversation was open, critical, and constructive. The open and vulnerable attitude of parents but also of the compulsory education officers certainly helped.

Questions?

For questions about the role of the compulsory education officer you can look at our Knowledge Base. But you can also contact our staff. By email: vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or by phone: 088-6050101. We are available on weekdays between 09.30-12.30 and 13.00-16.00.

Parent Panel

Do you also want to participate in talking about education in the Netherlands? Register now for the Landelijk Ouderpanel or read more about this online panel.