Flemish Education Decree Revises Kindergarten-to-Primary Progression (Belgium, June 2026)
Education Decree XXXVI changes the rules around transition from kindergarten to primary education in the Flemish Community. The decree creates a clearer option for a child to remain longer in kindergarten when the class council judges that the child is not ready to start primary education.
Source: Vlaams Parlement - Ontwerp van decreet over het onderwijs XXXVI
Education Decree XXXVI changes the rules around transition from kindergarten to primary education in the Flemish Community. The decree creates a clearer option for a child to remain longer in kindergarten when the class council judges that the child is not ready to start primary education.
What Changed?
The decree adds or clarifies the possibility for a preschool child to stay longer in pre-primary education if the class council finds that the child lacks the basis needed for primary education.
Old System vs New System
Progression from kindergarten to primary education followed the prior transition rules, with fewer explicit legal details in this decree area.
The class council has a clearer role in determining whether a child may remain longer in kindergarten because the child is not yet ready for primary education.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Children who need more time before entering primary education may be kept in kindergarten for a longer period under the revised rule.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents may need to discuss class-council advice and transition decisions with the school before primary enrolment.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must apply the revised transition rule and document decisions through the relevant school bodies.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Kindergarten and primary teachers may be involved in class-council advice and transition planning for affected children.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-03: decree adopted by the Flemish Parliament
- 2026-06-05: decree promulgated
- 2026-09-01: main school-year implementation point.
What To Do
- Schools should align transition procedures
- parent communication and class-council documentation with the new decree rule.
What To Watch Next
Schools may receive further administrative instructions on documenting class-council decisions and communicating them to parents.
Global Context
The change is relevant for early-childhood comparison because it adjusts the legal route between pre-primary and primary education.
Source Record
Source type: Decree
Source name: Vlaams Parlement - Ontwerp van decreet over het onderwijs XXXVI