At ISUtrecht we aim to create a stimulating learning environment in which everyone feels at home (ISUtrecht Mission Statement). ISUtrecht is an inclusive school; we believe that all children and young people are entitled to an education that enables them to make progress so that they can achieve their best, become confident individuals making a successful transition into adulthood.
In our diverse and dynamic school community, we welcome differences between the students, and we make sure to meet their individual educational needs. From Kindergarten through grade 12 our mission is to identify and remove barriers to learning in order to educate children and teenagers with a diverse range of learning abilities and backgrounds.
How we work
Inclusion begins within the classroom with classroom teachers (primary) and mentors (secondary). They form the link between school and home. To proactively address the academic, behavioural and social-emotional needs of the students, ISUtrecht uses a comprehensive approach based on the following guiding principles:
- Student-centred – focus on the best interest of every student;
- Needs-based – responsive to the needs and strengths of every student;
- Prevention- oriented – focus on early detection and intervention;
- Results-focused and systematic– based on proven practices and aimed at positive results;
- Collaborative and transparent– parents, teachers, students and others work together to develop appropriate and purposeful programmes for teaching and learning for all students;
- Culturally responsive – reflective of and responsive to student diversity;
- Equitable – provides students with access to the supports they need to be successful.
What to do when you have concerns
Any indications that a student may have additional educational needs should be explored and addressed. When you have concerns about your child, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher (Kindergarten – grade 5) or your child’s mentor (grade 6 and above).
The inclusion team
- Inclusion coordinator
- School psychologist
- Vacancy
- Inclusion specialists per grade level:
- Panagiota Fameli, Early Years
- Katie Simmons, grade 2-3
- Heidron Zijlstra, grade 4-5
- Lucas den Engelsman, grades 4-7
- Nicole Boerma, grades 8-12
- Careers counsellors:
- Thomas Middelton, grades 9-10
- Kelly Murray, grades 11-12 (DP1 & DP2)
Across the continuum, the team offers consultation with teachers, observation, in-class support or small group support as well as individual academic support. The inclusion team works closely together with the English Language Acquisition team.
Community Partners
The inclusion team works closely together with community partners:
- Buurtteam
- Liesbeth Bakker and Elleke Eek, family counsellors
- Jeugdgezondheidszorg (JGZ)
- Marielle Bink, school doctor
- Inge Boneschansker, school nurse
- Leerplicht
- Mina Abou, attendance officer
- Samenwerkingsverband
- Yvon den oude, Sanne Verbruggen and Miriam Hos-Gouzzaf, inclusion consultants
- Speech Therapy
- Paula van Vulpen, speech therapist
- Occupational Therapy
Levels of support
Support always starts in the classroom by the classroom teacher (classroom support). If necessary, the inclusion team will also offer support in or outside of the classroom (school support). If necessary, our community partners can supplement school support with extra services and interventions (school support plus). For more information, please view the ISUtrecht inclusion policy.
Helplines for teenagers and parents
In the Netherlands there are various helplines students and their parents could call, should they want to speak to someone outside of school about psychological or psychosocial issues or issues relating to alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviours. All the organisations listed can be contacted in English and their websites provide a wealth of information.
More information
- The ISUtrecht inclusion policy
- The ISUtrecht social wellness policy clearly demonstrates that the school community does not accept bullying at ISUtrecht and will tackle any bullying issues by predefined steps and actions.
- The Alcohol and Drugs Protocol
- Reporting Code for Child Abuse and Domestic Violence