Parents want smaller classes.

Parents want smaller classes.

Parents want smaller classes massively. Large classes reduce education quality according to parents. Also, their children enjoy school less and feel less safe in a large class. This is one of the conclusions from the Staat van de Ouder this year based on research among parents.

Parent supporter of smaller classes and schools

More than a third of children are in a class larger than 25 students. The bigger the class, the more unhappy parents are. Especially classes bigger than 25 students score badly. As much as two thirds of parents find this too big. If the class is larger than 30 students, dissatisfaction rises to 80%. Besides reducing class size, parents also see benefits in keeping schools small. More than half of parents think the government should set a maximum number of students per school.

Lobke Vlaming, director Ouders & Onderwijs:
‘We argue for a maximum standard for class size that schools can only deviate from temporarily and with good reasoning. Also, ensure that small scale in education remains and that it returns where it disappeared.’

Relationship with school worsened due to corona

The past year was special for the relationship between parents and school, which we do not ignore in this Staat van de Ouder. Luckily, the relationship between most parents and schools has been good for years. In fact, the relationship is improving. However, according to parents, the relationship with school worsened due to corona. Direct and personal contact is often not possible. Compared to normal times, the percentage of parents saying the relationship is good or very good dropped by 14% in the corona year. This is worrying, because in this time, parents are an essential part of education.

 

Lobke Vlaming, director Ouders & Onderwijs:
‘We are very glad most parents have a good relationship with school. Unfortunately, communication and thus the relationship with school has been under pressure due to corona. We regret that. Like everyone, we hope education and parents can soon find each other again, maybe in a creative or different way, and restore this relationship.’

 

About the Staat van de Ouder

The full report of the Staat van de Ouder can be viewed at: www.staatvandeouder.nl

The Staat van de Ouder is an annual publication by Ouders & Onderwijs about what parents think of Dutch education. Every two years, we do broad representative research on several current themes. In the Staat van de Ouder 2021, we compare results with previous years. Themes in this edition include the relationship between parents and school, class size, parental contributions, quality of education, tailored education and participation.

Parent panel

If you want to give your opinion on important education themes, you can register for the Landelijk Ouderpanel. We regularly do research among parents where you can share your voice.