Ben Weyts sees a perspective for the reopening of schools: “A big step forward for all children in Flanders”

“We are giving all students something to look forward to.” Flemish Minister of Education Ben Weyts reacts enthusiastically to the scenario that the Flemish education sector has developed together with the Group of Experts for the Exit Strategy (GEES). On Minister Ben Weyts’ proposal, this scenario envisages the complete reopening of nursery education and primary school and the second and fourth years of secondary school. The other school years would return to school for at least one day.

Calmness and clarity

According to Minister Ben Weyts, the agreement will bring schools calmness and clarity. “This will provide parents and all students with a solid perspective. It will not be easy in every school, and some school years will only spend a limited amount of time in school. However, we are giving all students something to look forward to.”

Give all children the opportunity

Even a limited return to school will make a huge difference, Ben Weyts reasons. “After all, schools offer more than just education: they also fulfil numerous social functions for pupils and students. It is incredibly important for all children and young people to have the opportunity to finish this school year together in the classroom.”

Safe restart

The Flemish Minister of Education emphasises the importance of a safe restart. “Schools can build on all the work they have already done to ensure safety. In consultation with the GEES and based on advancing scientific understanding, some regulations are being adapted. Safety standards are determined more specifically on the basis of age, and there will be other standards for indoors and outdoors. In this way, we are also addressing requests from schools to make it a little more workable.”

Children’s Day

“Confidence in education has been able to grow because we have taken it one step at a time. As a result, we can now take a big step forward for all children in Flanders. Somewhere between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, it is now Children’s Day.”