What does the municipality do for education?.

As a parent, you may hear little about it, but your municipality plays a role in your child's education. On some points, your municipality makes decisions or has tasks to carry out. We explain what your municipality does around education.

Policy on education disadvantages

Municipalities have an important task in preventing and reducing education disadvantages. They get funds from the government to make plans with schools that support young children at risk of falling behind. They also look at neighborhood conditions so children get as many chances as possible.

Compulsory education

Every municipality has at least one official for compulsory education. This person makes sure children from 5 years old go to school and that young people up to 18 years or until they reach a start qualification follow education. The municipality can contact parents, think about solutions, and in some cases act if there is a lot of unauthorized absence.

Student transport

If your child cannot travel to school alone (for example because they need extra support or the nearest school is too far), the municipality arranges student transport. This can be a public transport pass, organized transport by bus or taxi, or a payment for the trip. You can ask the municipality how this works and if you have the right to a payment.

Public education 

Although schools are responsible for the education they provide, the municipality makes sure there are enough public schools. If there are not enough public schools nearby, the municipality ensures children get public education in another way. For example, by arranging transport to a public school. 

The school building

Together with the school governing bodies, the municipality makes a plan for renovating and building schools. The plan shows what has priority. The buildings must meet legal rules, such as safety, accessibility, good indoor climate, and enough space.

Thuiszitten

Sometimes a child cannot (anymore) go to school. This is called thuiszitten. The municipality plays an important role, together with school, the attendance officer, and the partnership Tailored Education. The goal is always to find Tailored Education or an alternative as soon as possible. The municipality can help organize custom support and break stuck situations.

Youth help

Does your child need extra support, for example because of behavior problems, mental health, or a hard home situation? Then you will usually need youth help. The municipality is responsible for this help and works with schools. In practice, this can be confusing for parents because it overlaps. The municipality can help by providing and coordinating youth help, so school and care work better together.