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Tailored education does not work: what now?.
Sometimes it is not possible to find a solution with the school for the support of your child. Maybe you disagree with the development perspective plan or the refusal or removal of your child with support needs. There are many places to go, but sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees.
First talk together
As a parent you are an equal partner of the school. In case of doubt or disagreement about tailored education the first step is always: keep talking with the school. In a talk you can ask questions, discuss your worries or wishes and get more clarity about your child’s situation.
Discuss with the teacher, internal support coordinator, mentor or school leadership what is going on. Sometimes it helps to review agreements together or to clarify them better in writing. If you cannot come to an agreement together? Then you can ask for help.
Ouders & Onderwijs is happy to help you find the right help. Contact our advice point.
Where else can you go if tailored education does not work?
If a talk does not help or you and the school cannot find a solution, you can go to other organizations for help. We have listed a few for you.
Ouders & Onderwijs
Do you have questions or need advice? Then you can contact Ouders & Onderwijs. Our advice point is ready every working day to think along and provide information. You can reach us by call or WhatsApp, email or by filling in the contact form.
The parent and youth support point
If you cannot come to an agreement with the school? Then you can contact the parent and youth support point of the partnership tailored education in your area.
They can think along about possible solutions or another suitable place for your child.
Each parent and youth support point has its own support plan council and a contact person for parents. Ask about this at school. Or check the website of the parent and youth support point.
Foundation education consultants
Are things not going well at school with your child? Or is it not possible to come to suitable support together with the school? Then you can use the help of an education consultant. But what do they do exactly and when can you contact them?
An education consultant is an independent expert who is affiliated with the Foundation education consultants. They stand next to parents and students and think along when the education process runs into problems. They do not work on behalf of the school or the partnership tailored education. An education consultant can support with among other things:
- situations where parents and school do not reach agreement on the right support;
- questions or problems about admission to (special) primary education or secondary education;
- children who are out‑of‑school children or are at risk of becoming out‑of‑school children;
- finding a suitable education place;
- long or stalled talks with school or partnership tailored education.
The disputes committee tailored education
The disputes committee tailored education is an independent organization. The committee consists of experts from education, the judiciary and care. They look at conflicts between you and the school.
You can go to the disputes committee when there is a conflict about:
- refusal of admission of a student who needs extra support;
- the setting and adjustment of the development perspective plan of a student who needs extra support;
- the removal of a student (all students, not only students with support needs)
If you cannot come to an agreement together with the school? Then you can file a dispute within 6 weeks after the situation you want to file a dispute about. The procedure is clear: you file your dispute, both parties explain their position at a hearing and the committee assesses the case. Usually you receive a decision within 10 weeks. This is a weighty advice that schools often follow.
The disputes committee belongs to Foundation education disputes. On their website you can find how the committee works and what you can do if you want to file a dispute. You can also read examples of previous verdicts, so you know what to expect.
Orthopedagogical didactic center (OPDC)
An orthopedagogical didactic center (OPDC) is a temporary education place for students who need extra support. The goal is that a student develops further and, if possible, returns to regular education or transitions to another suitable school.
Questions 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: Inclusive education is not working, what now?.
An education consultant helps parents and students when they cannot reach an agreement with the collaboration network or the parent and youth support point. They provide advice, brainstorm and support in finding a suitable solution or place for the student.
No. The assistance is always free for parents and students.
No. The advice is not mandatory. You decide what to do with it.
They work for Foundation Education Consultants. That is an independent organization that supports parents and students throughout the Netherlands.
An OPDC or Orthopedagogical Didactic Center is a temporary educational place for students who are struggling in their own school. They receive extra guidance to be able to return to a suitable place.
An OPDC provides support for learning, behavior, motivation, and social situations. It helps find peace, set goals, and work towards returning to appropriate education.
No. An OPDC is temporary and intended as an intermediate step. Special education is a permanent type of school for students who require long-term, intensive support.
The collaboration within appropriate education decides, in consultation with the school and parents.
Yes, that is always the goal. Sometimes a student returns to their own school, sometimes to another suitable place.
The joint participation council deals with the following issues between parents and schools:
- admission (refusal) of a student in need of additional support;
- the expulsion of a student;
- the establishment and adjustment of the development perspective of a student in need of additional support.
No, it is not binding, but it is a weighty advice that schools often follow in practice. The school must provide a good foundation. Ignoring advice without reason is not the intention.
First discuss the situation with the school. It is important to remember that a dispute must be submitted within 6 weeks of arising. Otherwise, you will be too late.
The committee usually makes a decision within 10 weeks of the dispute being filed.
No, filing a dispute with the joint participation council is free of charge.
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