Primary schools open, how about compulsory education?.
This news report was updated on 25-2-2021 13:30. Since 8 February primary schools are open again. Students must go to school. But what if your child does not go to school, for example because of fear of corona? If your child does not go to school and does not join the education program, the school must report absence. The truancy officer is involved but will not enforce.
Schools are not formally required to offer students an alternative education program. But schools are expected to try and, where possible, provide education.
What the school does if a student does not go to school:
- If your child does not appear at school, the school will talk to you and your child. Together you look for a solution.
- The school checks if it is possible to offer your child an alternative education program for the period he or she does not attend school.
- The school can and may involve other organizations for their knowledge and expertise. For example, youth health care, the Partnership Tailored Education, or the truancy officer. Together with you and your child, they look at how, for example, fear of corona can be reduced. The website ‘Back at school’ and the website of the Dutch Youth Institute have information and suggestions on what to do in case of corona fear.
If the school has used options 1, 2, and 3 — talked with you and your child, offered an alternative education program, and involved help from others — and your child still does not return to school or does not participate in the offered education program, the school must report the absenteeism.
Is compulsory education enforced if the school reports absenteeism?
Although the truancy officer can be involved and take part in the talks between the school and parents, enforcement does not take place.
Questions
If you have questions in the meantime or your child will not go to school on February 8 and you want to discuss your personal situation with us, you can contact our staff. By e-mail: vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or by phone: 088-6050101. We are available on workdays between 09.30-12.30 and 13.00-16.00.