Netherlands: Transitions and changing schools
A planning checklist for school changes, phase transfers and moves between education settings.
Use this guide to prepare questions and evidence, then confirm current requirements with the school and the responsible national, regional or local education authority.
Start early
Ask when transition planning begins and which staff or services need to exchange information.
Transfer the support picture
Prepare a concise summary of needs, successful strategies, current support, communication needs and important professional reports.
Visit and ask
Discuss accessibility, daily routines, specialist support, transport where relevant and how the new setting will review support.
Confirm continuity
Ask what support will be available from the first day and when the first review with the new setting will take place.
Check the current framework
The European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education provides country information, national contacts and links to current policy sources. Rules and terminology can change and may differ within a country.
Adult learning support in the Netherlands
For vocational education (mbo), ask the institution about extra support before enrolment. The Dutch government provides information on mbo support, while support arrangements for other education routes should be checked with the receiving institution. A school-age passend onderwijs arrangement should not be assumed to transfer unchanged into adult study.
The government also describes an UWV education-support route for eligible young people with disabilities under 30, including certain tools, transport or personal assistance. Check the current conditions with UWV. This is not a guarantee of funding for every learner or every private course.
Questions when comparing programmes
- Does the course lead to the qualification or skills the learner wants?
- What reading, communication, planning or assessment support is available?
- Who coordinates support and what evidence is required?
- Are materials, buildings, placements and timetables accessible?
- Which fees and equipment costs remain after any approved assistance?
- How can the learner raise a concern if agreed support is not delivered?
Ask for a written explanation of the available support and costs. If a private tutor is being considered, define a narrow learning goal and check how progress will be measured. Private tutoring is separate from an institution's education-support arrangements.
Official sources: Dutch government: extra mbo support and Government.nl: education support for young people with disabilities.