Intensive language teaching
for children aged 6 to 12
The newcomer classes are intended for children who have come to the Netherlands from abroad and speak little or no Dutch. The current provision is for children of primary-school age, roughly years 3 to 8.
The programme focuses on understanding, speaking, reading and writing Dutch and on functioning in a Dutch school environment. Pupils also receive lessons in maths, spelling, creative subjects, PE, music and social-emotional development.
From primary school to introductory meeting
Parents do not register a child directly with the newcomer class themselves. The primary school close to home takes the first role in the registration process and completes the form together with the parents or carers.
| Step | What happens? |
|---|---|
| 1. Primary school close to home | Parents enrol the child at the primary school close to home and discuss the child’s educational needs there. |
| 2. Registration form | The primary school completes the current newcomer class registration form together with the parents or carers. |
| 3. Registration received | After the form is received, the newcomer provision reviews the registration and makes contact. |
| 4. Introductory meeting | Parents and child are invited to an introductory meeting before the start in the newcomer class is arranged. |
A view of the newcomer class
Form and timeline
Use the current registration form as the basis. The existing timeline also remains available for the registration and placement process.
| Document | Use | Open |
|---|---|---|
| Newcomer class registration form | Current form for pupil, parent, school and consent information. | Download form |
| Newcomer class timeline | Existing overview of the registration and placement process. | View current timeline |
Practical points for schools
These answers align with the updated information for parents and help schools communicate the same approach.
Who is the newcomer class for?
The newcomer class is intended for pupils aged 6 to 12 who do not yet speak Dutch. A six-year-old child may still be a little young for intensive lessons. In consultation with the primary school, it may then be agreed that the child first starts in a reception class close to home. If a child already speaks a little Dutch, the most suitable setting will also be considered together with the previous school or on the basis of assessments.
How do I register my child for the newcomer class?
You register your child at the primary school close to your home. The school completes the newcomer class registration form with you and submits the registration. Once the newcomer class has received the form, you will be contacted to arrange an introductory meeting.
How long will my child stay in the newcomer class?
The newcomer class normally lasts one year from the date the child starts. Sometimes a child needs more time to settle and become ready to learn. In that case, newcomer education may be extended by another ten weeks. In some cases, the goals are reached earlier and a different next step may be appropriate.
The newcomer class is far away. How will my child get to school?
In the Netherlands, parents are responsible for transport to school. If the distance is more than 6 kilometres, the municipality may assess whether support through pupil transport is possible. Conditions apply. Check your municipality’s website under pupil transport.
What lessons will my child receive in the newcomer class?
Every day, pupils work with a specific language programme. There are also daily lessons in maths, reading and spelling, as well as creative lessons, PE, music and lessons focused on social-emotional development.
What if the lessons are too difficult or too easy?
The newcomer class has a maximum of 15 pupils. The group has a teacher and a teaching assistant. Assessments are carried out every ten weeks to see whether the pace can be increased or should be slowed down. This allows the education to be adapted to what the child needs.