Which pupils can go to school?.

Which pupils can go to school?.

The schools remain closed. That decision was made by the cabinet to fight corona. But there are exceptions for some pupils. These are not all very clear. Therefore, we made an overview with an explanation from the Ministry of Education Culture and Science (OCW).

Schools stay open for vulnerable children

Vulnerable children are named as an exception. They can attend school. This applies to vulnerable children who follow special education and to vulnerable children who are in a regular primary school. You might think that special education mainly has vulnerable children and that those schools stay open. Unfortunately, this is not clear. In practice, some schools are open and others are closed. But who decides that?

If the school governing body thinks that most pupils at their school are ‘vulnerable’, they can keep the school open. The Ministry of OCW says: ‘For secondary special education and the practical education track, most pupils follow practice-oriented education and/or are in a vulnerable position, so physical education is offered in secondary special education and practical education track.’ This means pupils in special education must be able to attend physical classes. The school has to offer this possibility. The Ministry of OCW says that if vulnerable children are at a school, the school is expected to do its best to offer physical education and receive children at school.

Practical education track and vmbo schools with vocational subjects stay open

Pupils at vmbo schools, in the practical education track and secondary special education with vocational subjects can go to school. They have many practical lessons and must be able to follow those during the lockdown. The Ministry of OCW says: ‘For practical education track, secondary special education and vmbo education with vocational subjects, most pupils follow practice-oriented education and/or are in a vulnerable position, so physical education is relevant.’ This means these pupils must be able to attend physical lessons. The school must offer this and stay open.

Exam classes and pupils who must take school exams are excepted

Pupils who must take exams are excepted. They go to school for physical lessons. For these pupils, the school stays open. The Ministry of OCW says: ‘All education activities for pupils in an exam year and taking school exams for pupils in the pre-exam year must take place at school.’ This choice was made because there is little time left to prepare pupils for their exams. Good preparation and correct conducting of school exams is important.

Summary: For which pupils and in what situations must the school stay open?

• For all education activities for pupils in their exam year.
• For taking school exams for pupils in the pre-exam year, also for pupils in vwo 4.
• For practice-oriented lessons in vmbo, secondary special education and practical education track in all years. These are vocational programs, profile modules and vocational electives in vmbo and practical subjects in practical education track and secondary special education.
• For pupils in primary education with one or two parents with a key profession.
• For pupils in vulnerable positions. The school decides together with the municipality which pupils these are. Extra attention is requested for pupils in special education, special primary education and newcomers.
• For pupils in secondary special education and practical education track, many pupils follow practice-oriented education and/or are in a vulnerable position. This means practically all secondary special education and practical education track schools are open and offer physical education.

The school handles these exceptions differently, what now?

If you have the impression that your child’s school avoids the responsibility to receive vulnerable children or to continue lessons, let us know. Send an email to vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl. We make sure this information and data reach the Ministry of OCW and/or involved education organization. Together we make sure something can be done about this.

Questions?

We understand there may still be many questions. We speak to many parents and notice the explanation of the exceptions is understood differently in practice. For personal advice you can contact our staff. By phone at 088-6050101. We are available on weekdays between 09.30-12.30 and 13.00-16.00. Or by email: vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl. For answers to frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.