PricoH stops with the square class for the gifted at primary school de Krullevaar in Hoogeveen. This causes a lot of concern for the parents of the children, who say they have been surprised by the decision just before the summer holidays.
The school is closing because it would cost too much money. They are also afraid that the quality of education for the group will deteriorate, because it is difficult to find good staff. The intention is that the children will be transferred to the partnership in the region.
That is a group of schools in the area of which PricoH is part. Together they have to figure out how the students will be taught in the coming school year. It is not yet clear exactly what this will look like, because the schools themselves are still unsure whether this is the best solution.
The parents are not happy, because the situation on the Krullevaar is unique. “Hoogeveen is one of the few places in the area that offers full-time education for the gifted,” says a parent. “Now we have to go into battle just before the summer, because this came out of nowhere for us. We were under the assumption that an extra teacher had even been appointed and that one more would follow.”
A spokesperson for the partnership of the schools says that the Krullevaar is no longer suitable as a location. “It is no longer possible to meet all the requirements of education. You have to have teachers who are specialized in teaching gifted people. That requires some specific support. That is no longer possible here.”
Parents and school administrators are in talks to find a suitable solution for each student. It is possible that the students will be placed in different schools. “It depends on what kind of support someone needs. One person will fit in well at a regular primary school if they receive some extra support. Another may have to go to a place where special primary education is provided. Nothing is certain in advance,” said the spokesperson. .
Education for squared pupils is a major financial cost item and was part of regular primary education. That is why the students received a certificate that would allow them to go to special primary education. According to the partnership, the reimbursement for this type of education is higher than for regular primary education. “It covers the costs better. This way, students can still receive the right support if they are taught elsewhere.”
The parents have agreed, but some are not happy with it. “The squared classroom fell under regular primary education and not under special primary education. We have given approval, subject to reservation, to maintain the class at the Krullevaar in this way. But it will no longer be there,” says a parent.
“Now our children have such a statement. We would like them to be able to receive lessons at a regular primary school, but now they have actually received a stamp. The question is whether they will still be able to go to a regular school.”
According to the partnership, this is not the case. “It really only concerns funding education for these children. We do not yet know exactly what the plans will look like. We want to provide clarity before the summer.”