Visiting a Dutch Primary School: What to Ask During Your School Tour

Choosing the Right Foundation

For parents in the Netherlands—especially expats navigating a new education system—choosing a primary school (basisschool) is one of the most significant decisions you will make. While the Dutch education system is generally high-quality, every school has its own unique 'personality,' pedagogical approach, and community vibe.

A school tour is your opportunity to look beyond the polished brochures. It is a chance to see how children interact, how teachers manage the classroom, and how the school supports your child’s specific needs. To make the most of your visit, it helps to move beyond general questions and focus on concrete, practical details.

Here is a guide on what to ask during your school visit to ensure the environment is the right fit for your family.

Understanding the Pedagogy

Every school in the Netherlands follows the national curriculum, but the way they teach it varies significantly. Some schools are more traditional and structured, while others lean toward 'discovery-based' learning or project-based work.

Questions to ask:

• How do you balance independent learning with teacher-led instruction? (This helps you understand if your child will be expected to work autonomously or receive constant guidance.)
• Can you show me an example of a recent project the children worked on? (Look for evidence of creativity and engagement.)
• How do you handle mistakes or academic struggles in the classroom? (You want to see if the school fosters a growth mindset or focuses solely on correct answers.)
• What is the school’s philosophy on play? (In the early years, play is essential. Ask how they transition from play-based learning to more formal academic work.)

Class Size and Dynamics

While the Dutch government sets guidelines for class sizes, the feeling of a classroom can differ. A class of 20 can feel very different depending on the teacher's style and the physical layout of the room.

Questions to ask:

• What is the average number of students per class?
• How do you group students for different subjects? (Do they work in small groups, pairs, or mostly individually?)
• How do you manage behavior and classroom discipline? (Observe the tone of the teachers during your tour. Is it authoritative, collaborative, or strictly disciplinary?)
• How many teaching assistants (onderwijsassistenten) are available during the day?

Communication and Community

For many parents, especially those who don't speak Dutch as their first language, communication is a top priority. You need to know how the school will keep you in the loop regarding your child’s progress and daily life.

Questions to ask:

• How do teachers communicate with parents on a daily basis? (Do they use an app, email, or a physical notebook?)
• What is the primary language of communication for non-Dutch speaking parents? (Some schools offer English-speaking days or specific resources; others may rely on translation apps.)
• How do you handle parent-teacher conferences? (Are they scheduled regularly, and what is the focus of these meetings?)
• What kind of extracurricular activities or 'buitenschoolse activiteiten' (BSA) does the school offer?

After-School Care (BSO)

In the Netherlands, the Brede School concept often includes Buitenschoolse Opvang (BSO), or after-school care. If you work, knowing the quality and variety of this care is essential.

Questions to ask:

• Is the BSO integrated into the school building or located elsewhere?
• What kind of activities are offered during BSO hours? (Is it mostly supervised free play, or are there organized sports, arts, and homework help?)
• How do you handle the transition from the school day to BSO?
• What are the costs associated with BSO, and are there subsidies available? (Note: BSO costs can vary significantly by municipality, so always check the local rules.)

Support for Special Needs and Inclusion

Every child learns differently. Whether your child has a diagnosed learning difficulty, a physical disability, or simply needs a bit of extra support in reading, you need to know the school’s capacity to provide it.

Questions to ask:

• How does the school support children with different learning styles or special educational needs (SEN)?
• Do you have a dedicated inclusion team or specialist teachers?
• How do you identify when a child is falling behind, and what is the process for intervention?
• Can you tell me about the school’s approach to social-emotional learning? (How do they help children navigate friendships and emotional challenges?)

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Observe the 'vibe': While you are asking questions, keep your eyes open. Do the children look happy? Do they seem engaged? Is the environment clean and well-maintained?
• Take notes: It is easy to forget the details of three different schools in one afternoon. Write down the answers to the key questions above.
• Check the local rules: Schooling rules, such as enrollment priorities or specific municipal requirements, can vary. Always verify the specific rules with the school administration or your local municipality.\n

Final Thoughts

Visiting a school is about finding the right 'match.' There is no perfect school, only the school that is the best fit for your child’s personality and your family’s lifestyle. By asking these targeted questions, you move from being a passive observer to an informed advocate for your child’s education.\n
Still unsure which school to visit first? Use KieSchool.nl to compare different primary schools in your area, read reviews from other parents, and narrow down your shortlist with ease.