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‘Welcome to the Schoolyard’ campaign aims to open schoolyards to the neighbourhood

Published Oct 30, 2026

IVN and Jantje Beton recently launched the ‘Welcome to the Schoolyard’ campaign. Through this campaign, the two organisations are supporting primary schools in opening their schoolyards to local children. This gives children a pleasant, safe place to play, explore and meet one another after school. The campaign is part of the joint Healthy Schoolyards programme.

‘Welcome to the Schoolyard’ campaign aims to open schoolyards to the neighbourhood

Schoolyards as valuable places to play

Play space is scarce in many neighbourhoods. Many schools close their gates after school, even though these spaces can play an important role in children’s everyday lives. A schoolyard is familiar and safe, and is often larger than the play areas in the neighbourhood.

This is especially true of green schoolyards, which offer many benefits for children:

Children are more physically active and enjoy a wider variety of play.
Imagination, creativity and curiosity flourish.
Playing together becomes second nature, and there are fewer conflicts.
Children experience nature, which benefits them throughout their lives.

Fortunately, more and more schools are choosing to open their schoolyards. At OBS De Ontdekking in Hoogezand, for example, play does not stop when the school day ends. The green schoolyard remains open to local children from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is a deliberate choice, explains principal Janine Luitjes-Kwanten: “The schoolyard has truly become a place for the neighbourhood to play. A lively, well-used schoolyard helps build greater involvement with the school and the surrounding area.”

Practical resources for schools

During the campaign, schools can order or win a specially designed ‘Welcome to the Schoolyard’ sign. The sign makes it clear that all children are welcome and can be customised with the school’s own play rules.

A free guide is also available, containing practical and legal information about opening a schoolyard to the public. It covers topics including safety, liability, insurance, and frequently asked questions from schools and parents.

About Healthy Schoolyards

Healthy Schoolyards is an initiative by Jantje Beton and IVN Nature Education, made possible in part by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) as part of the National Prevention Agreement. Its mission: a playful, nature-rich and healthy outdoor space for every school in the Netherlands.

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