During the initial period after schools reopen, the focus will of course be on the pupils’ wellbeing and their social safety. In the coming period, teachers will gain a clear understanding of their pupils’ new starting situation. The past period has had clearly positive and negative effects. The need for distance education led to an innovative approach in many places, which can also be retained for the future in order to provide high-quality education in the interests of pupils and education teams.
Unfortunately, however, we must also conclude that the lack of face-to-face education has increased the risks of inequality of opportunity in education. Some pupils did not have the necessary equipment, an internet connection or a quiet place to work at home. In addition, some pupils received insufficient support from their home environment, or their home did not provide a safe foundation. The government is therefore introducing a scheme to support these pupils.
Scope for tailor-made solutions
The PO-Raad appreciates the government’s efforts to facilitate schools and school boards in supporting children in vulnerable situations. In particular, we advocated for as much flexibility as possible in the scheme so that support could be organised at the local level. This scheme offers considerable freedom to design the additional support as desired. Anko van Hoepen, vice-chair of the PO-Raad: “Schools themselves know their pupils and their surroundings best. They are therefore also best placed to assess what pupils need and how additional support can be provided most effectively.” The PO-Raad calls on schools and school boards to use the funds consciously and purposefully in those places where the need for pupil support is greatest.
Application for the subsidy scheme
Schools and institutions can apply for a subsidy to provide their pupils and students with tailor-made catch-up and support programmes during the period from the 2020 summer holiday until the 2021 summer holiday. It is up to the school, based on its own professional judgement, to determine whether, and which, pupils would benefit from additional support through this subsidy. The money can be used for additional teaching time outside school hours (such as summer, autumn or weekend schools, or an extended school day) or during school hours outside the regular lessons. It is up to the school to develop its own appropriate approach.
All information about the application and accountability procedure will be published during the week of 25 May. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science therefore advises waiting a little longer before drawing up a detailed plan, until more information about the conditions is available. The subsidy application consists of completing an online form on the DUSI website. All information will be available from 25 May at www.rijksoverheid.nl/steunpakketonderwijs. This website also contains a Q&A about the scheme.
Additional funding for newcomer education
The government has also made a second announcement. Schools providing education to newcomers will receive an additional quarter of funding. The PO-Raad advocated this in a letter to Parliament. The government has made €21 million available for this purpose. With an additional quarter of funding, the schools concerned will have the opportunity to provide newcomers with the education to which they are entitled, so that they progress to mainstream education at their appropriate level.