House votes on educational opportunities: these are the outcomes for parents.

House votes on educational opportunities: these are the outcomes for parents.

On June 3, the house of representatives debated the submitted motions about educational opportunities. The votes now show support to tackle inequality of opportunity early, especially with young children.

During the debate about educational opportunities the state secretary emphasized that differences between children arise at a young age. That is why she wants better cooperation between childcare, preschool, and primary school. She made some promises that are relevant for parents.

For example, before the summer of 2026 a letter will be sent about how well children learn basic skills, such as reading, writing and arithmetic, partly due to concerns about language delays at a young age. The cabinet is also working on a plan to better align childcare and education so that the transition to primary school goes more smoothly. In addition, the role of testing in education and how achievements are measured will be reviewed again.

Better alignment between childcare and education

The house has agreed to the motion for one continuous development path for young children. The goal is that childcare, preschool and primary school cooperate better so that children can develop without interruptions.

The aim is that your child will have a smoother transition to primary school, with more attention to development from a young age.

More attention for children who need extra support

The motion to reach more children with support needs through preschool education was adopted* by the state secretary. Currently, some of these children still cannot use the offer from which they would benefit.

*When a motion is adopted this means it no longer needs to be voted on. The state secretary then takes it over herself.

Approach to online bullying

The house adopted a motion for a targeted approach to online bullying. Schools will receive practical support and there will be explicit attention for the role of parents. According to the motion, more tools must be provided for parents to tackle and discuss online bullying together with the school.

Every child on the school trip

The motion to investigate how every child can equally participate in school trips (regardless of whether the voluntary parental contribution has been paid), was not adopted. The motion pointed out that there are large differences between schools with many and expensive school trips versus schools with few and less extensive school trips. Ouders & Onderwijs has long pointed out this growing inequality. However, the state secretary indicated that she does not see reducing this difference as a task for the state.

Opinion of Ouders & Onderwijs

Ouders & Onderwijs finds it positive that there is more attention for inequality of opportunity at a young age. At the same time, it remains important that plans really make a difference for parents and children.

We think that:

• Inequality of opportunity must be tackled as early as possible
• Childcare, education and care must cooperate better
• Schools must pay attention to the home situation of children
• Parents must be involved in school policy and support

Differences between children are often visible early, for example in language development. It is therefore important that support starts on time and is well organized.