Universities and schools are going to work together to encourage trainee teachers to help children who have fallen behind in their studies because of coronavirus school closures, ministers and university organisations VH and VSNU have said.

The schools will identify the pupils who are in need of help and the universities will pair them up with students who will either earn study points or a bit of extra holiday money.

The scheme will be financed from the €244m which was recently set aside to help primary schools, secondary schools and trade schools to offer extra classes and summer school courses to pupils who need them.

Maurice Limmen, chair of the college teacher training association, said helping the youngsters out will be a valuable experience. ‘Nearly all future teachers study at an hbo college and extra help from these students will have a real impact. ’

Amsterdam, Leiden and Utrecht universities are already putting together a programme for schools which will be rolled out nationally in the next school year. ‘It’s a win-win situation,’ VSNU chair Pieter Duisenberg said. ‘it’s an interesting learning experience that goes hand in hand with support for the schools.’