School Life

Student Support

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

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 
  • 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
  • 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