Winford Bilingual Amsterdam

Why Bilingual Education?

Winford Bilingual Primary School is a unique bilingual school in the Netherlands because we teach 100% of our lessons in both Dutch and English. This makes us different from other Dutch and international primary schools.

To understand how we are different, it is important to understand what bilingual education means in other Dutch primary schools. Most primary schools in the Netherlands offer some form of English language education. There are different types of education available:

Official ‘tweetalig’ (bilingual) schools offer between 30% and 50% of their classes in English. Often this is done by teaching core Dutch curriculum subjects (like mathematics, reading, writing, and language) in Dutch and other subjects (for example, music, art, or history) in English.

In other ‘regular’ Dutch primary schools, children will spend no more than 15% of their time (around 3 hours per week) learning English.

Winford Bilingual Primary School is different

When we say ‘bilingual education’ we mean that children will have all of their lessons in both Dutch and English. Throughout the school day, the children will be completely immersed in both languages, and learn to switch easily between Dutch and English with their teachers and their friends.

We call this approach ‘dual immersion’. The aim of our dual immersion education is to teach children to be fluent in two languages, rather than simply competent.

What is the difference between ‘Competency’ and ‘Fluency’?

Competency means speaking a language well but with more formality and less familiarity than a native or fluent speaker. Competent speakers have to work harder to speak in this language rather than their native language. They can also find it more difficult to switch between languages.

Fluency means speaking a language other than your first or native language with almost equal ease and accuracy. A fluent speaker finds it almost as easy to speak in a second language as easily as their native language. Fluent speakers can switch easily between the learned language and their native language.

An example of what this actually means

‘Gezellig’ – A commonly used Dutch word that is famously untranslatable into English. It can be literally translated as ‘cozy’ but this is only a fragment of its meaning. It is used to express feelings far more complex than ‘cozy’.

Language competency is knowing what ‘gezellig’ means.

Language fluency is knowing how ‘gezellig’ feels and when to use it appropriately in any situation.

Why do we think bilingual education is important?

Academic Benefits
Learning a second language helps your child academically by improving, connecting, and expanding the neural pathways associated with reading and writing, and with their ability to express themselves.

Language skills are more important than ever and English is one of the more widely spoken languages so it makes sense that a high level of fluency will be a valuable skill. Although not so widely spoken, Dutch shares its roots with several other European languages (the Germanic languages). Not only does this mean that learning Dutch will make it easier to learn another Germanic language, the fact that your child is already bilingual means that they will find it easier to learn any other language.

Social and emotional benefits
Beyond the academic advantages, there are also many social and emotional benefits to being bilingual. Research shows that young children who are raised as bilingual speakers are better at reading social cues, overcoming social shyness, and have strong active listening skills. All of these will help with making friends, understanding diversity, and help with integrating into new environments.

Advantages of Dutch bilingual education for international families in the Netherlands
Families who intend to make the Netherlands their home for more than a year will find themselves more culturally connected to the country if they speak Dutch. Although most Dutch people speak some English, you will find that you will feel more welcome if you can speak Dutch. For children, this means the ability to make local friends and join in Dutch life, giving them the chance to be fully involved in a different culture and tradition.

Ask us questions!

To find out more about our curriculum, our classrooms, and how our school will suit your child, please feel free to contact us.

Two Teachers Per Classroom
Each classroom has a fully qualified English and Dutch speaking teacher. Each teacher speaks their native language to our students, and all subjects are taught in both languages.

Child-Focused
With no more than 20 children per classroom, we are able to focus on each individual child. Our teachers meticulously craft every lesson to ensure the progress and development of their students.

Comprehensive Bilingual Curriculum

All subjects are taught in Dutch and English throughout the school day. Children complete the Dutch national curriculum, coupled with the UK national curriculum, and the International Primary Curriculum to become fluent in both languages.

All subjects are taught in Dutch and English throughout the school day. Children complete the Dutch, UK, and IPC curriculum and become fluent in both languages.

Winford Bilingual primary schools are Dutch schools, and the Dutch curriculum sits at the base of all that we do. Building on this solid foundation we teach a comprehensive curriculum in which the UK curriculum runs alongside the Dutch curriculum. We then use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to link the Dutch and UK curricula together using thematic units. As a result of our approach, our pupils are completely immersed in Dutch and English throughout every school day and can switch easily between the two languages. This approach aims to ensure that children who have been with us from the age of 4 can move into any Dutch or International school at any level.

Multi Age Classrooms
Children love to learn from other children and this provides great mentoring opportunities for students.  Although we are not a traditional Montessori school, we do follow the philosophy of Maria Montessori by teaching to each child’s ability rather than age. This also allows us to focus on the best education for each child. We also incorporate Montessori ideals with mixed age level classes and small group lessons.

Flexible Holidays
As a global school, we know how important world travel and exploring is for all learners. Winford Bilingual offers the advantage of a flexible holiday schedule.

Lunch and Snacks
All lunches and morning snacks are provided every day and are included in the school fee.
We believe having the opportunity to sit down together with a warm meal and share a conversation is an important part of the development of the whole child. A warm healthy vegetarian lunch is made by our in-house cook.

Dutch and International Students
Our school community reflects the multicultural population of Amsterdam. It provides a warm and supportive environment throughout primary schooling.

Centrally Located
Winford Bilingual schools are centrally location in Amsterdam and Haarlem.

Positive Discipline
Being kind and consistent is key to our program. We model firmness by respecting ourselves and the needs of the situation, and kindness by respecting the needs of the child.

Part of the Winford group of schools
We are proud to be a part of Winford, the premiere provider of private Dutch Primary and Secondary Schools in the Netherlands.

Step 1: Intake and Admission 

To formally apply for a place at Winford Bilingual Primary School we need you to: 

Request an application form and return it with all the necessary supporting documentation including school reports and the latest CITO test results (if applicable). 

Please return the application form as a Word document or a PDF. 

Once we have received your application, we will send you an invoice for the application fee of €550. This fee is non refundable. We will only process your application after this fee has been paid. 

Step 2: Provisional Confirmation 

After processing your application, we will send you a Provisional Offer (via email). This offer confirms that we have place available for your child. 

You have 2 weeks (10 business days) from the date of the Provisional Offer to accept or decline via email. If we have not heard from you after 10 business days the offer is automatically withdrawn, and you will need to contact us to restart the admissions process.  

Step 3: Acceptance 

Once you accept the Provisional Offer via email, you will receive a one-time, non-refundable enrolment fee of €1000* (per child). This payment must be received within 3 weeks of your acceptance. If payment is not received by the stated deadline, the Provisional Offer is automatically withdrawn, and you will need to contact us to restart the admissions process. 

Once the enrolment fee has been paid, your child will be added to his/her classroom’s list, ensuring their spot within the classroom. You will then receive a formal confirmation of Enrolment. 

*Please note: the enrolment fee is non refundable, even if you decide not to start with us, if you wish to defer the enrolment date, or when you leave the school. This fee is not deducted from the tuition fee. 

Step 4: Assessment 

The moment your child starts at our school we will start the assessment procedure. Our school instructional coach together with the classroom teachers, will observe your child in order to assess the educational needs of your child and to make a personal development plan. If necessary, a formal plan will be presented to you and discussed with you after the assessment. In the case of extra support or testing, we will meet with you and discuss the cost of further evaluations and or support.  

Please note that if your child comes to us from another school where they already receive special support you must let us know this in advance so that we can best support your child when they begin with us. In cases of 1-1 support from a former school we will ask for a short meet/greet with the classroom teachers and director to assess the best classroom fit for your child.  

Please be aware that if any information about your child's needs is left out during the Admissions process, we reserve the right to reassess continued enrolment at our school. 

Tuition Fees:
Our fees at Winford Bilingual are all inclusive. They cover testing fees in both languages, special exhibits, field trips, morning snacks and warm lunches for each child.

Amsterdam Bilingual: The annual tuition for school year 2023-2024 is €21,300.

Haarlem Bilingual: The annual tuition for school year 2023-2024 is €16,900.

The Hague Bilingual: The annual tuition for school year 2023-2024 is €21,300.

Payment Options:

The above school fees 2023/24 apply to payment in one instalment, before 1 August 2023.
Payment in three instalments is possible, but you pay 3% additional administration and interest costs. The terms expire on August 1, November 15 and February 1. For this option we ask you to issue a direct debit

Enrolment after 1 August 
It is possible to enrol your child during the school year. The school fees are prorated depending when your child begins. Depending on when you start, payment in instalments may be possible (with additional administration and interest costs).

Family discount:
If you have more than one child at our school, you will receive a 10% family discount on the school fees of the youngest child for Amsterdam, and a 5% family discount for Haarlem and The Hague.

Withdrawal policy:
To withdraw from the school parents must give two months’ notice in writing. In the absence of written notice, two months’ tuition fees will be charged in lieu. Any overdue fees or other charges will be payable on notice of withdrawal.

Joy Otto
Director

I am the director of the Winford Bilingual Primary School Program. I earned my undergraduate degrees in Primary School Education and Special Education (k-18). I have completed post graduate work in Montessori education, Orton-Gillingham Language Speech/Language Therapy, Montessori Teacher Training, Brain Gym Kinesiology and I am a certified PADI divemaster. I have over 22 years of classroom experience as a teacher, therapist and education specialist. I was working at the Smithsonian Institution as the lead docent educator for divergent learners and Primary schools when I realized that I loved the Dutch culture and environment. So I decided to move to the Netherlands to work and live. When I am not working or walking on the beach, you can find me cycling on my Dutch fiets (bike) or scuba diving anywhere where the water is clear and the sun is shining.

Milrose Voorhorst
Panda Teacher

I am the English teacher for the Panda class. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I have always wanted to teach minds, touch hearts and transform lives. I graduated with Bachelor in Elementary Education majoring in English at the University of St. La Salle, Philippines. Teaching and working with children is my passion. I have over 9 years of working experience as a teacher working with primary aged school children and international students of differing age levels. I have taught Language, Reading, Mathematics, and MAPE (Music, Arts and Physical Education). I also worked for two years as a co-curricular coordinator where I handled all the activities/lessons of the lower grades students. Currently, I am the English teacher in the Panda classroom. I really enjoy the environment and children of the Winford Bilingual Primary School community. I love coming to work each day.

Willem Van Hoof
Panda Teacher & Assistant Director

I am the Dutch teacher for the Panda classroom. I studied Art History in Amsterdam after finishing my teacher training in Breda. I lived and worked for several years in London and Brussels and gained valuable teaching experience while working at the Educational Department of the British Museum. After working for commercial companies for a couple of years, I started working as a substitute here in The Netherlands. This reignited my passion for teaching and I have found the right place for me at Winford Bilingual Primary School.

Mariana Kamimura
Zebra Teacher

I am delighted to be the English Teacher in the Zebra class. I am originally from Brazil, but I lived in Japan as a teenager and have been living in the Netherlands since 2018. I am a multilingual professional and have worked in a few different multicultural and multilingual settings. Being a teacher was not something I expected to do when I was younger, but I fell in love with it on my first day working at a school. As a teacher, I aim to support children as best as I can throughout their formative years and new discoveries. I am deeply passionate about children’s books; I have studied and continue to study their impact on children’s development, and I will definitely be sharing some of the books in my personal collection with the children. I also have a background in art and aim to explore the subject in many areas of children’s learning. I look forward to getting to know the children in Zebra class and supporting them during this part of their learning journey.

Maud Arens
RT Teacher

I am a Dutch teacher at Winford Bilingual Primary School. I have been living in Amsterdam for over 20 years and I love the international atmosphere of this city. I am happy that I can work with such a diverse and international group of students, parents, and colleagues at this beautiful location. I first completed a Masters in Film and Television Studies at the University of Amsterdam. After, I received my Pabo diploma at the HvA. I have been working as a Primary School teacher for over 10 years and I have a great affinity with Montessori education. In addition to teaching here, I am a self-employed teacher and I have my own company as a Certified Professional Organizer. Winford Bilingual makes it possible to combine my two favourite activities: working with children and organizing. In my free time I like to run, travel, and enjoy Amsterdam with friends and family.

Nancy de Rooij
Zebra Teacher

I am the Dutch teacher in the Zebra class. I grew up in Almere and have lived in Purmerend for 8 years. From an early age, my dream was to work with children. I find nothing more beautiful than helping with their development and seeing them grow in the classroom. I worked in childcare for a while but wanted more of a challenge and I started the PABO. Before Winford, I worked in special education for 9 years and completed the study "Draw your Conversation" and "Autism Friendly Coach". This has given me even more tools when I teach. In 2019, I worked for Winford on Speerstraat, and for the 2020-2021 school year, I joined the Winford Bilingual Primary School team at Jan Luijkenstraat! The atmosphere, the children, and the team really appealed to me and I really feel at home here.

Jessica Annandale
Giraffe Teacher

I am thrilled to be the English Teacher in the Zebra Class. I was born in Zimbabwe and spent my formative years in the Middle East. I have always wanted to work with children and after working in an International School in Dubai as an Individual Learning Support Assistant, my desire to learn more about pedagogy and language acquisition emerged. My goal is to help students develop a love for learning by encouraging them to ask questions, explore topics , be creative in all they do and to enjoy coming into the classroom everyday. I am an explorer by nature and when not in the classroom I like to hop on a train (or plane) and head off to wander around a city, town or village - meeting new people and experiencing different sights, sounds, architecture and cultural diversification.

Tim Bostens
Giraffe Teacher

I am the Dutch teacher for the Giraffe class. After obtaining my Bachelor of Teaching at the HvA, I worked at the AICS for 3 three years. It was very nice to work with such diversity. My ambitions lie in international education. The reason for this is because I was adopted, and I think it's super cool to come into contact with multiple cultures. I grew up in the Netherlands and am fluent in Dutch and English. I completed a CELTA qualification, in order to learn more about teaching languages.

Being Bilingual myself, I felt drawn to the teaching method here. It is great to work at a small-scale school where the classes are small so that I can get to know the students much better and guide them in their development. In this way, I can pay attention to each individual and help promote the growth mindset of each child. In my spare time I enjoy running, visiting museums, traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I am very excited to be part of the WBPS teaching team.

Julia Bormann
Eagle Teacher

I am the English teacher in the Eagle class. I grew up in the beautiful north of Germany and completed my Bachelor of Education (International Teacher Edcuation for primary schools) in the Netherlands. Over the past four years, I have had many inspiring experiences teaching at different international schools in Germany as well as in Brazil which enabled me to develop my skills in becoming a mindful, caring, and skilled teacher. I have always wanted to work with children and after having spent a year in Australia my desire to learn about different cultures and international pedagogy arose. I aspire to create a classroom environment in which all students can thrive based on their needs and interests. Humor, curiosity, and adaptability are traits that I believe to be important for a great learning environment, hence I try to encourage those in my students as well. I am passionate about drawing, dancing, trying new recipes or exploring new places, and I am very excited to join the WBPS community!

Sasja Delahay
Eagle Teacher

I am the Dutch teacher for the Eagle Class. I was born and raised  in the same street as the school (Jan Luijkenstraat), so it feels like coming home, being able to work at this school.  After high school, I studied at a French University in Montpellier and graduated from the Amsterdam University in History of Art. After working for a while in that field, I started my own catering company, Peperwortel, at the Overtoom.  Twenty years of business owning made me take a sabbatical to travel and broaden my views, then I decided that I wanted to do something that really mattered. For me that meant working with children. I did the fast-lane teacher education and worked with great fulfillment at several schools. Winford Bilingual combines aspects that I can really relate to: international orientated, excellent education, a small close knitted community where the development of children in a safe and challenging surrounding is key.

Alesi Haan
R.T. - English

Anna Mullis
Cook

I am originally from the north of England, but have now lived in the Netherlands for nearly 15 years. I am the mother of two grown-up children and live with my husband, Simon, in the lovely village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Cooking has been a life-long passion of mine, particularly baking, and I currently run my
own small business making custom cakes. I have several years of experience working in catering in the UK, including running a vegetarian cafe. I am very excited to be joining the staff at Winford and looking forward to providing the children with delicious, healthy food!

Jenni Iyoyo
Marketing and Admissions Manager

I have worked for 23 years in international schools taking care of admissions, public relations and marketing. I love working in a school environment and connecting with new people. I am delighted to join Winford Bilingual on their exciting journey. In my spare time I go to yoga and circuit training classes, volunteer in two committees, and sing in a gospel choir.

I look forward to seeing you at Winford Bilingual.

The Classrooms

With two teachers in each classroom and an average of 20 children per classroom groups, we focus closely on each individual child.

Our classrooms are:

Panda Class for children from 4 to 6 years old
The Panda classroom is a place where children take their first steps in formal education. We believe that school should be an enjoyable and supportive experience. Our students come from a variety of diverse backgrounds, and it is in this group that we see the widest variety of levels. The Panda classroom is the best fit for lower elementary-aged children who want to start in a Dutch/English bilingual environment. This provides a smooth transition before moving up to the next class.

Zebra Class for children from 5.5 to 8 years old
The Zebras begin their academic journey in both languages with Montessori materials that put into practice the concepts of Maths, Writing, Reading, Geography, History, World Cultures, Practical Life, Peace Education, and Science. Students further explore each subject through excursions outside the classroom to community resources such as libraries, the Nemo Science Museum, and other museums. These trips are connected to our IPC themes to help deepen their understanding of each topic and how it relates to the world around them.

Giraffe Class for children from 7 to 10 years old
The Giraffe Classroom is designed to meet the needs of our evolving students; a need to question, a need to explore justice, and a need to go out into the world and understand their place within it. The pedagogical approach consists of individualized and small group lessons in both languages. Students participate in weekly homework assignments as well as project-based presentations that coordinate with their IPC themes. In this collaborative learning environment, children establish a deeper sense of community and increase their awareness of their place within it.

Eagle Class for children from 10 to 12 years old
The academic program in the Eagle class is structured in five-week terms completed with an enrichment/review in week six. The core curriculum areas, in both Dutch and English, are Language Arts, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Geography and Technology. In addition to this comprehensive curriculum, arts education, personal development, and life skills education are emphasized. The sixth week is a time for self-evaluation, critique, reflection and review. The combination of all these key components prepares our students for their next endeavours, be it a Dutch secondary school or International secondary school. Like most Dutch primary schools, our Eagle class takes part in a schooltuin (school garden) where they learn how to grow their own plants and vegetables. This is one of the many ways our children are immersed in Dutch culture and society.

Winford Bilingual Flexible School Holidays

Our flexible holiday schedule allows our families to take up to 40 days holidays throughout the academic year. In addition to these flexible days, the school is also closed for four weeks in August, two weeks in December and for any national public holidays. This means that your vacation and travel schedule is not bound exclusively to the Dutch holiday schedule. Our families can choose the holiday travel dates that work best for them. 
 
Parents submit vacation requests every six weeks to correspond with the classrooms' work periods. Children may take up to 40 days spread out throughout per school year, in addition to the fixed days that the school is closed. 
 
We advise a minimum of ten days per half-year: ten days between September and the end of February and ten days between March and the end of the school year.

For requests of more than 10 days at one time, permission must be requested from the classroom teachers. 

Winford Bilingual Amsterdam School holidays 2023/24

The school is closed on these days. 

These holidays do not come out of your flexible holiday entitlement.

School year begins
4 September 2023

Christmas holiday begins 
21 December 2023

Christmas holidays
21 December to 3 January 2024

School begins
4 January 2024

Good Friday
29 March 2024

Easter Monday 
1 April 2024

Sports Day (early dismissal 12:30)
26 April 2024

Ascension
9 & 10 May 2024

Whit Monday
20 May 2024

Last day of school/Summer holiday begins
26 July 2024

Summer holidays
29  July to 23 August

School year 2024/25 begins
26 August 2024

The School Day

Our school is a vibrant and productive place. The daily schedules for each classroom vary depending on the age group of the children but they all share the same goal – to create a stimulating environment where children’s innate curiosity and their enthusiasm for learning are nurtured and encouraged.

Our school day starts at 08:30 each day. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday we finish at 14:30.
On Wednesday, we finish at 12:30.

Winford Bilingual Primary School is very much a family school, and we work hard to create positive relationships between all staff, children, and parents. We are proud of the calibre of our teachers and the level of care they provide to each child. Our small class sizes with two teachers per class, means that we can provide a high level of individual care and attention to each child.

The classroom teachers provide the first point of contact for children, and because the children spend two years in each class, teachers come to know each child very well.

Parents or carers have an opportunity to speak to teachers at the end of each school day, or for more detailed discussions, an appointment can be booked with the teachers or the Director.

Three times per year there are formal Parent and Teacher meetings to discuss each child’s progress.

Secondary School Choices

Children who join Winford Bilingual from the age of 4 or 5 will be able to choose:

- Dutch secondary school options. Group 8 students will be part of the same process as children in all other Dutch primary schools.

- any International School or schools that teach in English.

In group 5 we ask parents and students to start thinking about which secondary school direction they would like to pursue. In group 6, in discussion with the teachers, the family makes a decision for Dutch or International/English secondary education. In group 7 and 8, children who will go into Dutch education will receive 65% of lessons in Dutch and 35% in English. Children that wish to go into English education will continue to receive 50% Dutch and 50% English education.

If your child joins us later than age 5, we will assess your child in group 6 and give you advice as to whether we think Dutch or English education would be most suitable.

We are proud to announce that from our last graduating class, all children got into their top school choice.

At Winford Bilingual Primary School we use the Positive Discipline method. Positive Discipline approaches children in a way that is respectful, kind, and firm. We treat the children with respect and expect to be treated with respect in return. We teach the children how to communicate with those around them in a way that is effective and positive. Children are encouraged to be independent and to understand that there are logical consequences to their actions. We believe that our approach helps to create children who are happy, capable, and kind.

These are the main components of Positive Discipline.

1. Being Kind and Firm at the same time.

2. This helps children feel a sense of Belonging and Significance.

3. This is effective Long-Term.

4. This teaches valuable Social and Life Skills for good character.

5. This invites children to discover how Capable they are and to use their personal power in constructive ways.

The tools and concepts of Positive Discipline include:

• Mutual respect. Adults model firmness by respecting themselves and the needs of the situation, and kindness by respecting the needs of the child.

• Identifying the belief behind the behaviour. Effective discipline recognizes the reasons kids do what they do and works to change those beliefs, rather than merely attempting to change behaviour.

• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.

• Discipline that teaches.

• Focusing on solutions instead of punishment.

• Encouragement (instead of praise). Encouragement notices effort and improvement, not just success, and builds long-term self-esteem and empowerment.

We often let the children have "thinking time" outside the classroom. This is place where children can go to collect themselves or to think about their actions if they need the time and space to do so. It is normal for children to have outbursts and to challenge rules at times. If this happens, we give gentle reminders/warnings about our rules or expectations, after the third reminder we then ask the child to take a break outside the classroom to reflect on their behaviour. We feel that this gives the child some breathing space and time to collect and reflect on their feelings. Sometimes, their minds and bodies need some time to readjust without the censure of their friends.

At Winford Bilingual Primary School, we are looking out for the best interest and health of your child. If he or she has had any of the following illnesses or symptoms, please let their teachers know as soon as possible.

General Illnesses

Please keep your child at home if any of the following illnesses/symptoms occur:

• Fever (38°c. or higher)

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Contagious childhood illnesses (chickenpox, rubella, 5th disease, etc.)

If your child has a fever or is vomiting at school, they will be sent home right away. In the case of diarrhoea, children who have it 2 or more times will be sent home. If your child is sent home during the school day due to a contagious illness, they may not return to school the next day. Children may only return to school if they have been completely symptom-free for 24 hours.

Conjunctivitis

Please keep your child at home and see a doctor if your child has the following symptoms:

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid

• Increased amount of tears

• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep

• Green or white discharge from the eye

• Itchy eyes This may be a form of conjunctivitis. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly among children. Your child will need to see the doctor for a special eye medicine that must be given for at least 24 hours before the child can return to school. If no medicine is administered, the child cannot return to school until he or she is completely symptom-free for 24 hours. Again, if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms at school, they will be sent home for the health of other children.

Lice

Please check your child’s hair frequently for lice. If your child has any trace of lice, including adults and/or eggs (also called nits), they cannot return to school until their hair has been treated with a special cream and combed through with a louse (small metal tooth) comb. If your child has lice and you want further information on how best to treat it, please refer to the following document: http://www.prioderm.nl/hoofdluis-behandelen

Click here for our School Guide