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The school hours of your child: an overview of the options.
Every primary school decides its own school hours. Most schools use the traditional times. Some schools use other times like the continuous schedule, the five equal days model, or the Hoorns model. When times change, all parents at school can give their opinion. You can read everything here about school hours.
Traditional school hours
Most primary schools use the traditional school hours model: the school day starts between 8:30 and 8:45 and ends between 14:30 and 15:30. Children eat at home at noon or stay at school. Staying at school is voluntary. With the traditional school hours model, children have Wednesday afternoon off.
Changing to other school hours?
Primary schools explore more options for new school hours. Schools change because a continuous schedule can bring more calm for students. Also, in more families both parents work, so many children already stay at school.
What options are there?
Primary schools can change the times themselves. There are no law rules or guidelines for this. There is no list from the government with times schools must choose from. Schools must meet the teaching hours. This means students have the right to enough hours of teaching.
Schools can vary the times. For example, by using the free Wednesday afternoon or breaks (with or without required staying at school) differently. Popular new school hours are:
- The continuous schedule: uses the traditional school hours but with a shorter lunch break where all children stay at school. The end times are often earlier.
- The five equal days model: five school days with the same start and end times, no free afternoons, and a short lunch break where children stay at school.
- The Hoorns model: traditional times, but all children have Wednesday and Friday afternoon off.
- Biorhythm model: teaching follows the natural biorhythm of the children. In the morning there is class. There is a long lunch break where children can eat, sport, rest, or join an activity. In the afternoon the lesson material is repeated and worked on.
- Seven to seven model: a continuous program usually from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The program includes blocks with teaching, sports, and relaxation. There are no fixed breaks or free afternoons. The school stays open all year.
Parents’ say and role of the school participation council
Parents have an important role when changing the times. The parents in the school participation council must agree with the school hours. Also, all parents must first be consulted about new school hours.
Related Subjects
Lesson cancellation
Sometimes lessons are canceled at schools, for example because the school has a shortage of teaching staff or due to an emergency.
Read moreContinuous schedule
With a continuous schedule, the lunch break is shorter and children do not go home to eat but have lunch together at school.
Read moreTeaching time & school time
Children have the right to enough hours of good quality education. This is officially called education time.
Read moreThe school hours of your child: an overview of the options
Every primary school decides its own school hours. Most schools use the traditional school hours.
Read more