Tailored education (passend onderwijs)
Under Dutch law, schools in the Netherlands have a duty of care (zorgplicht) to offer all pupils a place at a school (in the region where they live) that suits their learning requirements and matches their potential. This is known as tailored (or appropriate) education (passend onderwijs). Schools offer extra help to pupils who need it, such as those with learning or behavioral problems, and if they are unable to provide suitable support, they help parents find an alternative, which might be another regular school or a special needs school.
Special needs schools
Special needs schools are for students who need specialized or intensive support that cannot be provided in regular schools. There are 3 types of special needs education:
Speciaal basisonderwijs (SBO)
Special primary education for children with mild learning difficulties who may, with extra support, eventually be able integrate into regular education. The learning objectives (what the child’s abilities should be at the end of school) are the same as in a regular school.
Speciaal onderwijs (SO)
Special education for primary children with more serious learning difficulties and/or problems with their behavior. For example, children with a physical disability, children who cannot hear or see well, or children with psychological problems.
Voortgezet specialonderwijs (VSO)
Special education for secondary students who need more support than a regular secondary school can provide.
Government brochures
There are various rules and procedures regarding additional support at regular schools and admission to special schools. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has produced comprehensive brochures in English that explain tailored education and special needs education at both primary and secondary level. There are also videos in other languages available on the government page.