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Secondary special education.
Some children still need extra support after (special) primary education that is not offered or cannot be offered within regular secondary education. For these pupils, there is secondary special education. But what exactly is it? How does it work? And how do you make the transition from primary school?
What is secondary special education?
Secondary special education is intended for pupils who cannot attend a regular secondary school but need more support. At secondary special education:
- The classes are smaller
- There is more structure in the day and in the class
- The teachers have knowledge of different disabilities and learning problems
- Children receive education at their own level, with support that suits their abilities
The goal of secondary special education is that every pupil can develop towards further learning, working, and participating in society as independently as possible.
Who is secondary special education for?
It is intended for pupils aged 12 to about 20 years who need more support than regular secondary education can offer.
This can be for example pupils with:
- An intellectual or physical disability
- Autism or another developmental disorder
- Long-term illness or psychological problems
- Learning problems combined with behavioral problems
At secondary special education, the types of support are divided into four clusters. Cluster 1 and 2 have a different route than cluster 3 and 4. There are almost no secondary special education schools for cluster 1 and 2, but they mainly provide support within regular secondary education.
How does admission work?
Your child cannot just go to secondary special education. Together with the school, you first look at what support your child needs. The agreements about this are recorded by the school in the development perspective plan. You as a parent are always involved in this process.
How admission in special education exactly works differs per cluster. Read more about this on the page about the different clusters.
What does the education look like?
In secondary special education, pupils receive lessons in a way that fits their development. A profile also fits with where your child goes after secondary special education. There are three profiles (directions). Each direction has a different goal and prepares your child for the future.
- Further education: pupils then go to mbo, hbo, wo, or regular secondary education.
- Labor market oriented: pupils learn skills to be able to work later.
- Daytime activities: the education is not aimed at later following another education or work. Here pupils do learn to become as independent as possible and to participate in society.
For each profile, the school makes together with parents (and the child) a development perspective plan. This states which goals are achievable and what support the child receives.
Learning goals and diploma
In secondary special education, your child works on learning goals that match their abilities. The school looks together with you which profile fits best.
Some pupils take exams and earn a diploma. This can be a vmbo, havo, or vwo diploma. Some pupils do not meet the requirements of the school diploma. They receive a statement that says they have worked on the knowledge and skills they need for a suitable next place.
Options after primary school
The transition to secondary (special) education can be exciting. The primary school plays an important role in preparing for this.
The school discusses with parents and the partnership tailored education what the best next step is:
- regular secondary education with extra help
- vmbo with learning path support
- practical education track
- secondary special education.
Related Subjects
Declaration of admissibility special education
What is a declaration of admissibility for special education?
Read moreSpecial primary education
Read who special primary education is for, what the difference is with special education, and how admission works.
Read moreSpecial education
What is special education? Read for whom it is, what kinds there are, and how a child is admitted.
Read moreStudent transport special education
Read when you can use student transport, how to apply for it, and what it costs.
Read moreQuestions or personal advice?
Do you have questions about this topic, would you like advice regarding your situation, or just a listening ear? Then please contact us via 088-6050101, email vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or WhatsApp ons.
FAQ: Special Education.
- Cluster 1: for children with visual impairment, intellectual disability, or other support needs.
- Cluster 2: for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, have a language development disorder (TOS), have both hearing and vision impairments, or have a communicatively multiple impairments (CMB).
- Cluster 3: for children with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, chronic illnesses, or multiple disabilities.
- Cluster 4: for children with severe behavioral problems or psychiatric issues.
If your child fits in cluster 1 or 2, this is assessed through special institutions, such as Visio, Bartiméus, Kentalis, or Auris. Does your child fit better in cluster 3 or 4? Then it goes through the collaborative partnership for inclusive education.
If the regular school your child attends now applies for a statement of eligibility, your child cannot stay at this school. However, you can look for another regular school yourself. They will then investigate whether they can meet the support needs of your child.
Special education is for children who need more help than a regular primary school can provide. The classes are smaller and there is more guidance.
Children with a disability, developmental disorder, or behavioral problem that requires extra guidance.
The sbo is for children who need extra help with learning or behavior but do not need intensive care. The so is for children who need specialized guidance, often in even smaller groups with more support.
There are four clusters:
1. Vision
2. Hearing/language
3. Physical/intellectual
4. Behavior
Only with a Certificate of Admissibility (TLV) from the cooperation association, can a child go to s(b)o clusters 3 or 4. The school applies for this in consultation with parents.
Cluster 1 and 2 are for children with a visual or auditory impairment. A child can go to cluster 1 or 2 if they meet certain conditions and the research committee determines that the school is indeed suitable for the child.
Vso is education for young people aged 12 to 20 who need extra support. They receive lessons in small groups and work on goals that match their abilities.
If the intensive guidance needed no longer fits within regular secondary education. You need a admission statement (TLV).
There is no fixed IQ limit. It is about what a student needs to learn well and develop.
There are three profiles: further education, labor-market-oriented, and day activities.
Students can usually stay at the vso until the end of the school year in which they turn 20.