Schools where children are struggling will receive a teaching bonus of around 8% on top of normal salaries, the government has announced.

The aim is to make it more appealing for teachers to work, or continue to work in these schools, the government has said.

Around 15% of all schools in the Netherlands, some 1,300, fall into this category. Teachers, teaching assistants, heads of school and other staff will receive at least a 5% salary boost, and on average 8% more, the government says, meaning to approximately €350 per month more for a primary school teacher.

The cash injection is part of a national programme to help children who have fallen behind during the coronavirus pandemic, especially those in deprived areas.

Caretaker education minister Arie Slob said in a statement: ‘Schools are faced with the great task of catching up with delays in learning as a result of corona. This is even more tricky in schools which have many children with challenges, and these schools have the greatest difficulty with teacher shortages…

‘This is why we are making it possible to offer staff at these schools additional financial rewards.’