NOS News•today, 4:27 PM
Minister of Education Paul is investigating whether the compulsory education age can be lowered from 5 to 4 years. She is also looking into whether children who are behind from the age of 2.5 can be sent to preschool education.
The outgoing minister hopes to prevent children from starting school at a disadvantage. “It is important to be there early,” says her spokesperson in response to reporting on RTL News, so that they have “equal opportunities” as other children.
Both investigations have already started. The minister hopes to be able to say before the end of the year whether the measures she proposes have the intended effect and what next steps can be taken.
Moreover, given the cabinet formation, there will probably be a new Minister of Education. They could then amend the law. If there is sufficient support in the House of Representatives and Senate, a change in the law could come into effect a few years later.
Many four-year-olds already go to school
Most children aged 4 already go to school, although they are not obliged to attend school. But it is precisely the small group (3 percent) of toddlers who stay away that often suffers from disadvantages, says Minister Paul.
Municipalities can also offer preschool education to children from the age of 2.5 years, who the child health clinic determines are behind schedule. But participation in it is voluntary.
According to the latest figures, more than 53,000 toddlers were eligible for this in 2022 and a quarter of parents did not take up the offer for preschool education.
Tags: Minister Education investigating lowering compulsory education age years
