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Teach with Pride

Teach with Pride

On Wednesday 30 July, COC Nederland is organising Teach With Pride as part of Amsterdam Pride. It is an afternoon for education professionals from vocational, secondary and primary education to meet, share experiences and support one another. Because the event takes place during the summer holidays, the emphasis is on both informal and convivial activities as well as substantive sessions. Lunch is included, and the gathering begins and ends with a queer comedian. This is followed by drinks.

Schools see the effects of school meals

Schools see the effects of school meals

Almost 90 percent of schools that organize school meals notice that pupils are less hungry. Nearly 50 percent also experience less stress among parents concerning food security. This is evident from the report ‘Eating together connects’ by the Jeugdeducatiefonds. Ellen Donkers of the Netherlands Youth Institute: “In addition to providing a full stomach, a school meal can contribute to children and parents feeling better about themselves.”

This is how you can encourage more physical activity at school

This is how you can encourage more physical activity at school

In the municipality of Westland, 17 primary schools are now actively working on creating a physically active school day. This initiative, guided by Healthy School adviser Muriel Weltens and a physical activity trainer, includes active breaks, dynamic school days and inviting schoolyards. Thanks to the commitment of school boards and practical support during professional development days and workshops, this project has proven successful; all participating schools have also become Healthy Schools.

Childcare gets muddy on 30 June during Mud Day

Childcare gets muddy on 30 June during Mud Day

On 30 June, childcare centres will once again have fun getting messy during Mud Day. Free play with the elements of water and sand is at the heart of the day. Children are given the space to make mud, feel it, smear it, throw it… and getting dirty is allowed! And getting dirty is not only fun, but healthy too, as Finnish research has shown. The number of cases of asthma and allergies there has fallen sharply because children are exposed to bacteria and fungi in nature. So is getting dirty in the mud actually dirty at all? By coming into contact with all kinds of microorganisms, which are found in nature but less so in urban environments, children are building a strong immune system. So let them get muddy!

Government presents ‘Guidelines for healthy and responsible screen and social media use’

Government presents ‘Guidelines for healthy and responsible screen and social media use’

On 17 June, State Secretary Vincent Karremans (Youth, Prevention and Sport) presented the ‘Guideline for healthy and responsible screen and social media use’. The guideline, based on research by scientists, experts and civil society organisations, is intended to provide parents and caregivers with guidance on raising their children in the use of media. The most important advice is a recommended minimum age of 15 for social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. The guideline is also of interest to education professionals.

Registration for the Mayors' Breakfast has opened

Registration for the Mayors' Breakfast has opened

Starting Monday, 2 June, all municipalities in the Netherlands can once again register for the Mayors' Breakfast. This breakfast takes place during Our Food Week (4 to 11 October 2025). During this week, mayors have breakfast together with a school class at the town hall. Participating municipalities receive a free breakfast box filled with healthy products, put together by the Mayors' Breakfast (part of the National School Breakfast), and fully in accordance with the Wheel of Five.

White paper on risky play

White paper on risky play

Children learn not only by being cautious, but also by taking risks. This is receiving increasing attention, both in the Netherlands and abroad. VeiligheidNL wants children to be given the opportunity to engage in risky play. Together with professionals who work with parents and children, VeiligheidNL ensures that this can happen safely. In a white paper, VeiligheidNL explains why risky play is beneficial for children's development and how it helps prevent serious injuries. The white paper is also relevant for education professionals.

Four years of growth and strengthening: effectively working on healthy lifestyles

Four years of growth and strengthening: effectively working on healthy lifestyles

During the period from 2021 to 2024, Healthy School, together with education professionals, Healthy School advisors, and knowledge and collaboration partners, worked to promote healthy lifestyles in schools. The focus was on reaching all schools, improving quality, and structurally embedding health in education. This joint effort has produced strong results and laid a solid foundation for a healthy future for pupils and students. This is shown by the Healthy School Final Evaluation 2021–2024.

More parents and children positive about mobile phone ban in the classroom

More parents and children positive about mobile phone ban in the classroom

More and more parents and children support the mobile phone ban in the classroom that came into effect on January 1, 2024. A ban throughout the entire school can also count on more supporters. This is according to research by Ouders & Onderwijs among 1,143 parents. “It is not surprising that more and more children and young people support the mobile phone ban,” says Vivian den Blanken of the Netherlands Youth Institute.

Lunch webinar on the wellbeing of the school team

Lunch webinar on the wellbeing of the school team

The wellbeing of students begins with the wellbeing of teachers. When they feel supported, connected and resilient, this has a direct positive impact on their pupils and students. But the hectic pace of full schedules and high workloads demands a great deal from teachers. That is precisely why the Welbevinden op School programme will focus on 3 June, during Mental Health Week (2–8 June), on the foundation of a positive school culture: the wellbeing of the school team.

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