Inclusion

Creating a positive and supportive environment for all students.

At ISU we believe that students have a right to education that enables them to make progress, become confident individuals making a successful transition into adulthood. IB programmes are designed to ensure inclusivity and equitability allowing all IB learners to have equal opportunities.

Our inclusive approach

In our diverse and dynamic school community, we welcome differences between the students.

Students are more likely to thrive and achieve academic success when they experience a sense of belonging, well-being and can form strong relationships in school. Achieving this is a shared responsibility in our school.

Teaching, learning & well-being

Our approach to teaching and learning helps build a sense of community and provides each student with consistent support and guidance. To proactively address the academic, behavioural and social-emotional needs of the students, our school also provides additional support.

Additional educational needs

Additional educational needs refer to various groups of students who for a variety of reasons may face additional barriers to education and learning. This includes students with a diagnosed learning disability or learning difficulty. Additional educational needs can be categorised under the four broad areas of development:

  • Communication & interaction
  • Cognition & learning
  • Social, emotional and mental health difficulties
  • Sensory and/or physical needs

Additional needs are best considered in terms of a continuum from milder needs to more complex needs. Our inclusion framework is organised through three tiers. These tiers form a continuum to provide students with instruction and interventions at increasing levels of intensity. For more information, please view our Inclusion Policy.

Inclusion team

Our school inclusion team encompasses our school counsellors, inclusion coaches and specialist.  Learning support services are offered through the inclusion team and include where possible early intervention strategies. Our inclusion team offers consultation with teachers, observation, in-class support, small group support and where needed, individual support. For more information, please view our inclusion policy.


Language acquisition

Our multilingual approach is very much part of our vision on inclusion. To find out more, please view the language acquisition page.

Community Partners

As a school that is partly funded and supported by the Dutch government, ISU is a member of two regional support networks (samenwerkingsverbanden) in Utrecht. For Primary we are a member of Samenwerkingsverband Primair Onderwijs Utrecht and for Secondary we are a member of Sterk VO. Both networks advise on and arrange support for students with additional educational needs. For matters related to the health of our students, we have a school doctor and nurse appointed by the municipality of Utrecht.  Depending on the needs of the student and the family, ISU also works closely together with the external Attendance officer (Leerplicht ambtenaar) and our local social care team (Buurtteam).