Annebet van Mameren

And What Happens Next?   By Annebet van Mameren   To these seemingly simple questions, there are surprisingly no simple answers. In this article, Annebet van Mameren talks you through the procedures and practicalities, to make sure your child gets… read more >

When Does My Child Start School in the Netherlands?And What Happens Next?   By Annebet van Mameren   To these seemingly simple questions, there are surprisingly no simple answers. In this article, Annebet van Mameren talks you through the procedures and practicalities, to make sure your child gets off to a flying start. She starts with the issue that most children start school the day after their fourth birthday, and walks you through first few years of school, highlighting the rules and exceptions that apply when it comes to, for instance, their obligation to attend school, starting at age 5. This is called leerplicht in Dutch.   www.new2nl.com read more >

A Good Option for Your Child Who Doesn't Speak (Fluent) Dutch? By Annebet van Mameren   In the almost six years Annebet van Mameren has been advising international parents on the most suitable schools for their children in the Netherlands,… read more >

Bilingual SchoolsA Good Option for Your Child Who Doesn't Speak (Fluent) Dutch? By Annebet van Mameren   In the almost six years Annebet van Mameren has been advising international parents on the most suitable schools for their children in the Netherlands, bilingual schools must have been the topic they have discussed the most frequently. Many of these parents see this type of school as an ideal in-between solution, somewhere between a Dutch and an international school, which seemingly complements their family dynamics very well. In this article, the author – weighing the pros and the cons – explains why a bilingual school won’t always be the best option for your child that speaks little Dutch, if any at all.   Bilingual primary schools: https://www.nuffic.nl/onderwerpen/tweetalige-basisscholen/ Bilingual secondary schools: http://www.ikkiestto.nl/informatie-voor-ouders/ read more >

By Annebet van Mameren   More and more international families relocating to the Netherlands. While previously most expats received an extensive relocation package from their employers, these additional benefits are no longer standard. As you can imagine, not everyone is… read more >

A Year of Immersion Before Going DutchBy Annebet van Mameren   More and more international families relocating to the Netherlands. While previously most expats received an extensive relocation package from their employers, these additional benefits are no longer standard. As you can imagine, not everyone is able to pay for an international school themselves. Research shows that many internationals plan to stay longer in the Netherlands. They want to integrate, become part of the community, (attempt to) learn Dutch, and send their children to a Dutch school. Does this sound familiar to you? This shift in perspective has some major implications for parents and schools alike. Children who are 6 or older and don’t speak Dutch are usually sent to a Dutch immersion (newcomer) class first. Maybe contrary to your expectations, this applies to the bilingual schools as well. At the newcomer class, all children follow their personal program, which usually takes around one year, depending on their progress. Most schools don’t have their own immersion class, which means that your child will have to start their education in the Netherlands at a separate school. The first reaction of many parents when they hear this is disbelief. They often expect them to lose at least a year of their educational career. In practice, things work a bit differently, and the newcomer class can genuinely be a good option for your child. In this article the author explains what to expect.   Would you like to discuss which type of school would be most suitable to your family? Contact Annebet van Mameren from New2nl at annebet@new2nl.com. read more >

By Annebet van Mameren Last year there was a lot of commotion on the playground of a small town in the south of the Netherlands. What had happened? A family from the school had gone skiing and had posted some… read more >

The Dutch School Attendance LawBy Annebet van Mameren Last year there was a lot of commotion on the playground of a small town in the south of the Netherlands. What had happened? A family from the school had gone skiing and had posted some photos of their holiday on Facebook. This had upset some dutiful (or maybe jealous) parents who had felt the need to inform the truancy officers. As a result, the family was fined 400 euros. Only people who are familiar with the Dutch School Attendance (Leerplicht) Law would understand what the issue was here. Children may only miss school under very specific circumstances, and a skiing holiday isn't one of them. The parents had told the school that their children were sick, while the smiling pictures told another story. To stop you as an international parent from winding up with a hefty fine, it is important to understand this Leerplicht Law. Written in 1969, the law dictates that children aged 5 to 16 (or 18 if they don't have a diploma yet) must attend school during term time (unless they are unwell, of course). To be precise, the plicht (obligation) takes effect on the first day of the month following a child’s fifth birthday. For the full article go to www.xpat.nl read more >

In general, the Dutch education system works very well, but because of its unique features and many different types of schools, a lot of international parents have a tough job identifying the right school for their children. This job is… read more >

Special Needs Education in the NetherlandsIn general, the Dutch education system works very well, but because of its unique features and many different types of schools, a lot of international parents have a tough job identifying the right school for their children. This job is made even tougher if your child needs some extra support in school. In this article Annebet van Mameren from New2nl explains how to find your way in this unfamiliar world. Her article covers topics ranging from inclusive education to types of special needs education, to what comes after primary school, to the process of applying for a special needs school, to support for international parents, to Leonardo schools, to special needs support in international schools. If your child, in any way needs special support, this article is the right place to start. http://new2nl.com/education-services read more >

Before enrolling your child at a school, you’ll have to decide whether to send them to an international school or ‘go Dutch’. Both have their own advantages, and in this article, the author explores the differences. The author goes into… read more >

Should You Choose an International EducationBefore enrolling your child at a school, you’ll have to decide whether to send them to an international school or ‘go Dutch’. Both have their own advantages, and in this article, the author explores the differences. The author goes into the length of your stay, your child’s age, the school fees, the curriculums, holiday regulations, and Dutch primary and secondary education, as well as international education – including the International Baccalaureate. After reading this in-depth article, you should have a better idea of which school type would suit your family best.   www.New2nl.com read more >