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This means that your child or children must attend school from their fifth birthday until the end of the year they turn sixteen. In practice, almost all children in the Netherlands are in school from the age of four.

If your son or daughter reaches the age of sixteen without obtaining a school diploma, they must train for a qualification (“Kwalificatieplicht”). This means they are obliged to stay in school until their eighteenth birthday or until they have obtained their diploma.

School Attendance Officers
The municipality employs School Attendance Officers (“Leerplichtambtenaren”) to supervise whether children are actually attending school as required. Should a pupil play truant for more than three consecutive days, the school will notify the School Attendance Officer. The reason for the absence will then be investigated and possible action can follow. SAO’s are authorised to draw up official reports.

Exceptional circumstances
A child can only be exempted temporarily from compulsory education in exceptional situations, e.g. if you are unable to be home during the school holidays due to your occupation. Your employer must give evidence of this. Leave is not permitted at all during the first two weeks of the school year.

There are a number of other special circumstances, which allow a child leave-of-absence from compulsory education for a maximum of ten days. In cases of extended leave, the School Attendance Officer is authorised to arbitrate, after consulting with the school’s headmaster. You should address the school management if you require special exemption for your child.

Penalty for missing school
If a child is absent from school often, the school will notify the municipality. As a parent you are responsible for compliance with the rules of compulsory education. Prosecution may occur if parents knowingly allow their children to skip school. Parents as well as young people over the age of twelve can be either fined, receive a study order (“Leerstraf”), or -in extreme situations- be imprisoned. In cases of “luxury absence” (“Luxeverzuim”; extra unauthorised days-off during school time) chances are an official report will be drawn up. If your child has a valid reason to be absent, you must duly notify the school.

Check the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science for more information. Or call (070) 308 19 85 during office hours.

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