The education ministry is freeing up an extra  €210m for schools struggling with problems caused by the coronavirus crisis, such as lack of teaching and support staff.

The money, which will become available from next year, is meant to alleviate increasing work pressure due to teachers having to go into quarantine and to prevent pupils from having to be sent home.

The ministry admits that hiring extra qualified staff is already a challenge but said schools could turn to regional pools of substitute teachers.

Schools can also hire more support staff to monitor classes and oversee adherence to the coronavirus rules , which would also help people who have lost their job because of the crisis, the ministry said.

The money will also go towards classes on culture, sports and science taught by guest teachers, the ministry said.

‘The pressure on teachers and school leaders is mounting,’ education minister Arie Slob said. ‘We are trying to ease it a little in the classroom.’

Schools can put in a request for extra money from January 1.