This is how many schools closed during the snow.

This is how many schools closed during the snow.

Early January, winter caused slipperiness, snow, and orange code in large parts of the Netherlands. This made many parents ask the same question: will school continue and is it safe? A quick poll among parents shows not only the effects on education but also that parents have a lot of trust in the decisions schools made.

Most children went to school normally after the Christmas holiday

On Monday 5 January, the first school day after the Christmas holiday, most schools held classes as usual. 69% of parents said their child did not get ice-free. Even in areas where the KNMI had issued orange code, schools often stayed open. A small group of children (16%) did get (partly) ice-free.

Many secondary schools gave ice-free on Wednesday

On Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 January, many schools also held classes. However, the number of children with ice-free increased especially on Wednesday. That day, 36% of parents said their child got the whole day ice-free. Especially in secondary education, schools more often decided to cancel classes, offer online lessons, or let parents choose if their child went to school.

Parents appreciate balance between safety and education

Whether a school decided to stay open or give ice-free, parents mostly supported it. Of the parents whose school stayed open, 77% thought this was a good decision. For schools that chose ice-free, even 87% of parents agreed with that choice.

About the research

A total of 941 parents with children in primary education, secondary education, or mbo took part in this poll. The online research was done among parents in the Landelijk Ouderpanel.

Join the Landelijk Ouderpanel

We want to hear your experiences and opinions. Do you want to talk about your child’s education? In our Landelijk Ouderpanel you can share what is happening at your child’s school. We take your story to politicians, education organizations, and the media. This helps make education better and fairer for all children. Will you sign up too?