Complicated move to secondary school.
Does your child need extra support at school then the move to secondary school is more complicated. This also appeared from our research among parents. The choice of schools is more limited, it is often hard to know if a school is suitable and the transition itself requires more attention.
The move from primary to secondary education is an important time for children and for parents. Especially when a child needs extra support at school or goes to special primary education. In autumn 2021 we asked parents of children with extra support about their experiences and needs. 177 parents took part.
Suitable school
The transition from primary education to secondary education starts with the school advice. Parents say that the support needs of their child affect the school advice. 44% even say the advice became lower because of this. But one third of the schools gives, besides the official school advice, also advice about the type of school or support the child needs. For example a structure class, lwoo or special education. While this information is important to find a suitable school. 91% of the parents say that the support needs of their child determine the choice of school.
Choosing a school
Parents generally experience little or no choice for a secondary school. Sometimes there is not even a suitable school in the region. That is an important concern. Many parents also miss information about which school offers certain support in their search for a suitable school.
The Partnership Tailored Education could play a better role here. Now only 1 in 10 pupils has the Partnership Tailored Education involved. Partnerships can inform parents about possible schools for their child but also ensure that the needed support is organized if it is not yet available. In 2022 every Partnership Tailored Education will get an independent parent and youth support point where parents can go for information and support.
Registration
After registration the new school sees if it can offer the needed support. In three quarters of the registrations with extra support needs this was done. Most parents often do not know which information the primary school shares with the new secondary school. Is that only the primary school advice and the educational report? Or also the student file and possible medical data and research reports?
Transition
To make the move to secondary school go as smoothly as possible, 43% had a meeting with the primary and new school and 38% of the primary schools called the new school. In 18% there was no contact.
As suggestions to improve the transition parents mention an introduction with the new class and mentor, a shadow day before summer holiday, a talk with the internal support coordinator to make agreements and regular contact in the first period.
Read more or questions
Want to read more? Then consult the report. Or read more about this topic with tips in our Knowledge Base. Do you have questions? Contact our information point. We are closed during the Christmas holiday, but from Wednesday 5 January we are reachable by phone 088-6050101. You can always ask a question by email: vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl
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