When you’re living abroad as a Dutch or Belgian expat, there comes a moment when you wonder:
“Will my child be able to enter the Dutch or Belgian school system without falling behind?”
I completely understand that concern. Of course you want to give your child the best chance to continue their education in the Netherlands without any gaps.
In this blog, I’ll explain how the Dutch for Kids program aligns seamlessly with the Dutch curriculum (both primary and secondary education).
I’ll also share how we help English-speaking children already living in the Netherlands make a smooth transition into a Dutch-language school.
1. For Dutch and Belgian expat children: a smooth return to PO or VO
As an expat parent, you want your child to continue developing their Dutch language skills, even while living abroad.
Perhaps you’ve tried putting your child on Squla and thought:
“Where do I even start with 50,000 exercises?”
That’s exactly where we make the difference.
We follow the official continuous learning pathway used in Dutch primary schools
At Dutch for Kids, children learn exactly what they would learn in a Dutch classroom.
Group 3: all phonics are introduced in a structured way.
Groups 4–8: spelling rules begin and are built up step by step.
Every week, we cover the same language domains that Dutch schools use:
- spelling
- vocabulary
- grammar
- reading comprehension
Secondary education (VO): we work with materials from Kern.
Twice a year, students take an assessment (similar to the CITO test), after which you receive a report. This shows exactly how your child is progressing compared to children of the same age in the Netherlands.
We work with a combination of:
- Nieuwsbegrip
- Taal Actief
- DigLin
- Kern
- and our own thematic learning pathways
This keeps your child fully on level—without feeling overwhelmed by too many disconnected platforms or materials.
What about math and other subjects?
Your child follows those at the school they currently attend.
We focus entirely on Dutch language development, so your child has exactly the knowledge needed to continue in the Netherlands or Belgium confidently.
Why this works
Every week, your child receives:
- instruction from the same dedicated teacher
- clear explanations
- gradual, structured progression
- a personalised program
- confidence as a bonus
And that is what leads to smooth placement into Dutch PO or VO.
2.2. For English-speaking children already living in the Netherlands
If you are already living in the Netherlands and want your child to attend a Dutch-speaking school, we offer equally thorough support.
Step 1: building a strong foundational vocabulary
With DigLin and our thematic lessons, children learn:
- simple words and sentences — within just two lessons, many children can already say their first Dutch sentences!
- basic grammar
- practical language they can use immediately
- everyday conversational skills
Step 2: progressing to native-level lessons
Once your child has sufficient understanding and speaking skills, we move on to:
- the full Dutch primary school program
- one-on-one guidance
- materials they will also encounter in Dutch classrooms
- explanations at their own pace, without pressure
For some children, this takes a year; for others, two.
We fully tailor the program to your child.
Optional: intensive course
Do you have a tight deadline (such as a move or school transfer)?
We can offer multiple lessons per week — something we’re very experienced in.
The power of recognition in the classroom
What we often hear from children once they join Dutch school:
“Hey, I’ve done this before with juf Samantha/Nicolette/Marjolein!”
That familiarity creates two powerful things:
- confidence
- calmness during an exciting transition
And that combination is pure gold.
Our goal: a soft, confident transition into PO or VO
Whether you are:
- returning to the Netherlands or Belgium,
- or supporting an English-speaking child entering Dutch education…
We make sure your child:
✔️ has no learning gaps
✔️ feels confident
✔️ recognises the materials
✔️ understands what is being asked in class
✔️ enjoys the transition
A smoooooth transition —
that’s what we work for every single day.
Want to know if Dutch for Kids is a good fit for your child?
Book a free introductory lesson with me or one of our teachers.
Together, we will look at:
- where your child currently stands,
- what they need,
- and which program suits your situation best.
Curious about what our online Dutch lessons for children look like in practice?
Schedule a free trial lesson and experience it for yourself. Meet one of our teachers, discover our method, and see how much fun your child can have learning Dutch, all from the comfort of your own home.
👉 Schedule a free introduction and trial lesson today – completely free of obligation and personalized, the perfect first step for your child!
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