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SchoolyardCheck – for municipalities

Published Jan 27, 2025

Would you, as a municipality, like to get started on making schoolyards more playful and greener? IVN’s SchoolyardCheck will help you get started! In five steps, each consisting of three to five statements, the check guides municipalities through the experiences of other municipalities and provides tailored advice. This gives municipalities insight into what is needed to create successful and future-proof schoolyards. After completing the check, municipalities will receive their score and IVN’s advice by email.

What does IVN mean by a healthy schoolyard?

A healthy schoolyard has natural elements such as sand, water, trees and plants, and may also include paved areas and play equipment. The playful and green schoolyard challenges children with:

Varied activities: Encourages play and cooperation.
Sensory experiences: Stimulates the senses and promotes learning.
Recovery and relaxation: Provides peace and prevents overstimulation.
Climate resilience and biodiversity: Supports flora, fauna and water retention.

Enter for a chance to receive the Schoolyard Support Package

Five municipalities will receive support in improving their approach, as well as a contribution of € 30,000 per schoolyard to make at least two primary school yards greener and more playful. Complete the SchoolyardCheck, including the additional questions, before 1 March 2025 for a chance to be selected for the Schoolyard Support Package. You can find more information here.

Start the SchoolyardCheck here.

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!

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Ten tips for the Golden Weeks in primary education

Our Food Week

Join National Tap Water Day 2026 on 30 September!