Secondary education reopened on June 1, protocol in the making
Secondary education can open again on 1 June, Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced tonight. Trade unions and employers are working on a protocol for this reopening, based on OCW guidelines.
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"The first phase of the virus, the outbreak, is behind us," the prime minister said at the May 6 press conference. That is why the Netherlands can be carefully unlocked again.
The previously announced reopening of secondary education can indeed take place on 1 June, if the virus does not spread again in the meantime. Or actually on June 2, because June 1 is Pentecost. Employers and employees in education are currently drawing up a protocol, based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, with practical tips to ensure that the reopening takes place safely for students and staff.
It is not yet possible to say when primary education will be fully open again, instead of only half
“It's very exciting for everyone in secondary education to start over,” says AObdirector Henrik de Moel. "But it is important that schools themselves are given the opportunity to do this properly and safely."
De AOb will continue to ensure that people who, for whatever reason, cannot work safely are not put under pressure. “You will only have one partner who is critically ill,” says De Moel. "The thought of taking the virus home is unbearable."
Practical exams
On June 15th - again: if the virus does not revive before then - MBO can again take practical exams and provide practical education. In the meantime, work is also being done on a plan to reopen the entire MBO and higher education sector ('in due course', according to Rutte).
It is not yet possible to say when primary education will be fully open again, instead of only half. “We are taking it step by step,” says Rutte.
