Frequently Asked Questions

Zoetermeer has over 50 primary schools, ranging from public to denominational education, each with its own approach and atmosphere. View the complete overview under "All schools at a glance" or search by location via "Schools on the map".

The procedure applies to most primary schools in Zoetermeer. Exceptions: Vrije school Vuurvogel, IKC De Vijf Pilaren, SBO De Horizon, SBO De Vuurtoren, (V)SO De Keerkring, SBO Het Zwanenbos and SO De Musketier. These schools have their own registration procedure — contact the school directly.

Look at the curriculum, location, atmosphere and any extra activities. Visit open days, read the school guide and speak with other parents. Our tip: make a top 3, because if your first choice is full you can still be placed at your second or third preference.

You register your child in the year they turn 3. There are four fixed registration periods per year — yours depends on the quarter of birth. View the calendar at When to register or use the date calculator to see immediately when it's your turn.

No. Your chance of placement is exactly the same whether you register on the first or the last day of the period. Just make sure you're on time — after the period closes you can no longer register.

No, you register your child in the period when they turn 3. Late due to a move or other reason? Then you can register in the next period, as long as your child still falls within the registration year. Is your child already 4 or older? Then contact the school of your preference directly.

Registration takes five steps: 1) you receive a letter from the municipality around age 2½, 2) you set up your email reminder, 3) on the first day of your registration period you receive a personal registration link by email, 4) you fill in three preferred schools on the central registration form, 5) you confirm the registration.

Popular schools often receive more registrations than there are places. If your first choice is full, we look at your second and third preference. The more schools you fill in, the greater the chance your child gets a place at a school that matches your preference.

Email the school of your first preference. They can delete the registration so you can register again. This is only possible during an active registration period.

No. The letter you receive around your child's second birthday is informational. The actual registration process runs entirely through this website and the email reminder.

You register your children separately. Mention with each registration that the child is one of a multiple birth. The school links them together within the procedure so they don't end up at different schools.

Is your child under 4? Then you can register in the next registration period that matches their date of birth. Is your child already 4 or older? Contact the school of your preference directly.

Yes, that's possible. Email the coordinator at contact@zonaardebasisschool.nl. The coordinator will help you with the options within the procedure.

Indicate this when registering. The school of your first preference will then invite you for a conversation to see if they can provide the right support. The school receives four extra weeks of assessment time for this. If the school cannot provide the support, they will help you find a suitable school.

Yes, in the same way as a parent with a child in Zoetermeer.

If you're moving to another city and no longer need the place at the primary school where your child is enrolled, please inform the school in time. They can then offer this place to another child during the placement-improvement round.

The email reminder ensures you automatically receive a message as soon as your registration period begins. That email contains the personal registration link to the central system (Onderwijs Transparant). Without the reminder, you'll need to track when your period starts yourself and look up the registration link. Set it up once, and the rest takes care of itself.

No. You only fill in your email address and the date(s) of birth of your child(ren). We send a confirmation email to verify the address is yours, and then everything is set up.

Yes. Click "Add another child" and fill in the date of birth for each child. You'll receive a separate reminder for each child at the right moment. Ideal for families with multiple children under 4.

No problem. On the email reminder page, simply fill in the same email address again. We'll automatically send you a fresh access link.

Yes. We send the email with the registration link on the first day of your personal registration period. You don't need to keep a calendar or set phone reminders. If after a few days you still haven't received anything, please check your "Junk mail" or "Spam" folder.

Three months after the last registration period of your youngest child, your data is automatically deleted. You can also delete your data sooner via the "Unsubscribe" button on the access page. The data is used only for sending the reminders.

First check your "Junk mail" or "Spam" folder. Nothing found? Fill in your email address again on the email reminder page. We'll send you a fresh access link and the registration link straight away. Still not arriving? Email us at contact@zonaardebasisschool.nl.

The registration link is sent from the official "Zo naar de basisschool" system via noreply@zonaardebasisschool.nl and points to the central registration system of Onderwijs Transparant. If in doubt: first go to the Registration page on this website and log in there — then you can safely click through.

The email reminder is just a notification + personal link. You then make the actual registration in the registration system (Onderwijs Transparant), where you fill in your three preferred schools. Your child is only registered once you've submitted that form.

Is your child not yet 4? Then you can still register in the next period, provided the date of birth falls within the registration year. Is your child 4 or older? Then contact the school of your preference directly.

You'll receive a notification within six weeks after the registration period closes. Does your child need extra support? Then the school may take four extra weeks for the assessment.

If there are more registrations than places, the school applies these rules: 1) A sibling already at the school (applies at all schools). 2) Childcare in the same building as the school (does not apply at all schools — check per school). For rule 2: the child must have attended the childcare for at least four months, two sessions per week (8 hours), before their third birthday.

Siblings are children who live together as a family. This can be a blended family at one address or a separated family at two addresses. Foster and adopted children are included.

No. Where you live has no influence on placement. No priority is given based on postcode or distance to the school.

No. The priority rules apply only to the school you've listed as first preference.

That depends on the number of available places, the number of registrations and the priority rules applied at that school.

First the priority rules are applied. Then a lottery takes place under the supervision of a notary. Children who are not drawn for their first preference are then assessed for their second and, if necessary, third preference school.

No. Schools don't share information about the number of registrations during the registration periods. This is to keep the procedure fair for everyone.

Children who were earlier not drawn for one of their preferred schools can take part in the extra round to see if there's a chance of placement improvement. The order of the school preference list cannot be changed or extended.

This depends on several factors. Children taking part in the placement-improvement lottery all have equal chances. They participate on equal terms in this extra lottery round.

Then the coordinator of "Zo naar de basisschool" will contact you. Together you discuss the options.

In June and December there are extra lottery rounds at schools where places have become available. If your child has been placed at a lower preference, you can join to try for a higher preference. Children who weren't drawn at any of their preferred schools also participate in this round.

Together with the placement offer you receive an enrolment form. Fill it in (the child's BSN — citizen service number — is required) and return it to the school within 14 days. This makes the placement final. If you don't respond or don't accept the offer, the place may go to another child.

Let the school know as soon as possible. They can then offer the available place to another child during the placement-improvement round.

Your child may start school from their fourth birthday, on the first school day after their birthday. The school will invite you beforehand for orientation days to meet the teacher, see the classroom and meet the other children.

For example a language delay, a physical disability or behavioural issues. If your child needs extra support, indicate this on the registration form. You'll be invited for a conversation with the school.

In Zoetermeer there are primary schools with a language class and VVE schools (preschool education) where extra attention is given to language. Under Support and extra help you can find more information.

For substantive questions about the procedure, a specific school or your registration: email contact@zonaardebasisschool.nl or call (079) 316 04 63.

For technical questions or if registration isn't working: contact the Onderwijs Transparant service desk at zoepo@otservicedesk.nl.

Do you have a complaint? Follow the complaints procedure of the board of the school of first preference. For complaints about the implementation of "Zo naar de basisschool", you can also email contact@zonaardebasisschool.nl.