Questions about education following the latest press conference

Published Dec 20, 2021

Primary schools, secondary schools, senior secondary vocational education schools, universities of applied sciences and universities will all be closed from Monday 20 December. The entire education system will come to a standstill. In doing so, the government is adopting the latest advice from the Outbreak Management Team (OMT). There are serious concerns about the rapid spread of the much more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus. This situation raises questions among parents. Parents & Education has collected the answers to frequently asked questions by category.

Questions about education following the latest press conference

What will education look like after the latest press conference?

Which pupils will emergency childcare be arranged for?

How long will the Christmas holiday last at primary schools, secondary schools and senior secondary vocational education schools?

Which pupils are subject to exceptions?

What about school exams for students taking (pre-)final exams?

What if my child's school does open?

Are schools required to provide distance learning?

Can parents ask grandparents to look after their children?

Why this sudden decision?

Specific information for primary education

What about the Christmas holiday?

Are primary schools required to provide distance learning?

Childcare

Is childcare open?

Should children with a runny nose stay at home?

Specific information for special education

What does education look like now?

What about performing medical procedures at school?

Specific information for secondary education

What does education look like now?

Which pupils are exempt?

What about internships?

Specific information for senior secondary vocational education schools

What does education look like now?

More information

Where can I go for more information?

Ten tips for the Golden Weeks in primary education

After every holiday, a group goes through certain phases in the process of group formation. The first weeks at the beginning of the school year are called the Golden Weeks. These weeks are particularly suitable for laying a foundation for good group formation and a pleasant atmosphere. Stichting School & Veiligheid offers ten tips.

Our Food Week

From 3 to 10 October 2026, it is Our Food Week. A great opportunity to focus with your class at primary school on where our food comes from, how it is made and why healthy and sustainable choices are important. Food education allows pupils not only to learn, but especially to experience. That is why various organisations are joining forces to support schools with inspiring activities, teaching materials and practical tools. Examples include the Mayors’ Breakfast, a free visit to a farm, or shopping vouchers for cooking in the classroom.

Join National Tap Water Day 2026 on 30 September!

Would you like more water to be drunk in the new school year? Then put tap water in the spotlight with your class as a healthy and sustainable thirst quencher during National Tap Water Day on Wednesday 30 September. This way, your pupils will discover why tap water is healthy and how to turn it into a festive drink!

Latest articles

Ten tips for the Golden Weeks in primary education

Our Food Week

Join National Tap Water Day 2026 on 30 September!