For children aged 5 to 18
5 to 16 years old: Compulsory education
After your son or daughter's fifth birthday, your child is required to attend school. This means that he or she must start school on the first day of school in the month after their birthday. For example, if your child turned 5 on October 10, he or she must start school on the first day of school in November. This compulsory education ends at the end of the school year in which your child turns 16.
16 to 18 years old: Compulsory education
To secure a good position in the labor market, your child needs a basic qualification. This is a diploma at a minimum of MBO 2 or HAVO/VWO level. The obligation to obtain a basic qualification applies to all young people up to the age of 18. The VMBO diploma does not count as a basic qualification. This means that after obtaining the VMBO diploma, your son or daughter is obliged to continue their education at MBO or HAVO level in order to obtain a basic qualification.
The consequences if your child aged 5 to 18 is absent (for a long period of time)
The most important thing is that your child returns to school or other suitable education as soon as possible. School is important because with a diploma, your child will have a better chance of finding a good job and earning their own income later in life. School and Compulsory Education therefore want to work with you and, if necessary, your child to take swift action to prevent further (long-term) truancy.
1. Your school will contact you
If your child is absent without notice, the school will first contact you and, if necessary, your child (aged 12 and above) to find out what is going on. If necessary, the school can organize additional Health your child. The school is obliged to report absenteeism to the truancy officer.
2. An investigation is launched
The truancy officer will start an investigation into your child's absence and will also talk to you and your child if they are 12 years or older. Together, you will discuss what is needed to get your child back to school quickly.
3. More stringent measures
If the absenteeism continues, the truancy officer may take lighter or more severe measures. This depends on the situation.
