For two school years, the Flemish government has been allocating an extra 6 million euros to schools that create additional places for children with an emotional disorder or a behavioral disorder, and for children with a serious intellectual disability, in both special primary and secondary education. The extra money was always limited to one year, after which the green light was again required from the government.
From now on, the additional resources will become structural and annual approval will no longer be required, Weyts announces. “Schools will gain more clarity, certainty and predictability,” it said. “They can use the extra resources to recruit additional staff or to design rooms tailored to vulnerable target groups.”
Weyts is convinced that the number of places in special education has increased from approximately 47,000 to almost 55,000 under the current Flemish government. “Our motto is clear: regular education if possible, special education if necessary,” says the minister. “We mobilize as many people and resources as possible to offer the most vulnerable children and young people a good place.”