Supporting Children and Teens with ADHD in Dutch Public Schools

stephaniekustner
Oct 9
5 min read

WHAT INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also be stressful — especially if your child has ADHD. Many international families arriving in the Netherlands wonder how Dutch schools support children who learn or behave a little differently.

This article explains what the law says, what schools are actually required to do, and what families have shared about their experiences. We’ll also list so

me English-speaking, Dutch-financed schools where these policies apply.

The Legal Framework: “Passend Onderwijs”

In the Netherlands, all schools must follow the Appropriate Education Act (Wet op Passend Onderwijs). You can read the government’s information in English here.

This law means that every child — including those with ADHD — has the right to a suitable place in education. Regular (mainstream) schools are expected to make reasonable adjustments and provide extra support before suggesting that a child move to special education.

If a school feels it cannot meet a child’s needs, it must work together with parents and local educational networks to find a better match. The school can’t simply say “we can’t handle ADHD” and turn the child away. They are legally required to look for an appropriate solution.

Other important laws include:

The Dutch Constitution, which guarantees equal treatment and access to education for all children.
The Equal Treatment of Disabled and Chronically Ill People Act (Wet gelijke behandeling op grond van handicap of chronische ziekte), which bans discrimination in education and other public services.

In short, Dutch law requires that children with ADHD receive fair access to schooling and reasonable support — though what “reasonable” looks like can vary.

What Support Looks Like in Practice

Every Dutch public school (including bilingual or international Dutch-financed ones) has a responsibility to try to meet students’ needs within its resources. The level of support depends on the school’s size, staff training, and funding, but here are some common examples:

Adapted teaching methods – breaking lessons into smaller steps, using visuals, or giving short movement breaks.
Extra adult support – a classroom assistant or extra teacher during challenging lessons.
A special needs coordinator – called a zorgcoördinator or intern begeleider, who helps plan and monitor support for each child.
Individual Education Plan (IEP) – in Dutch, handelingsplan or ontwikkelingsperspectief. This plan outlines your child’s needs, goals, and accommodations.
External experts – sometimes a regional specialist (REC) or psychologist visits to help teachers adjust their approach.
Exam or assignment accommodations – such as extra time, breaks, or alternative testing methods.

However, there are also limits. Some schools have fewer resources or teachers trained in ADHD. Support may depend on how assertive parents are and how willing the school is to collaborate. Families often find that success comes from open communication and consistent follow-up.

Challenges Parents Often Face

Many families, both Dutch and international, describe a similar pattern:

Teachers want to help, but don’t always have ADHD training.
Support may vary between teachers or school years.
Parents often feel they must advocate strongly to keep support in place.
Formal plans (IEPs) are sometimes written but not reviewed regularly.
Communication between schools and healthcare professionals can be limited.

A recent Dutch study found that parents, students, and teachers all felt there was a lack of awareness about ADHD and not enough consistent information or follow-up support. You can read the study summary here.

Still, many families also report positive experiences when schools are proactive, flexible, and open to collaboration.

English-Language, Dutch-Financed Schools

For international families, the Netherlands offers several publicly funded or partially subsidised international schools. These schools follow Dutch education law but teach (mostly) in English and use international curricula such as the IB.

Here are some examples:

There are many others — you can find a full list on the International Schools Database.

Most of these schools have a Learning Support Department or SEN Coordinator. They typically support children with mild to moderate learning differences. However, they may limit the number of SEN students they can take or ask parents to pay extra for additional one-on-one help.

If your child has significant ADHD-related needs, Lighthouse Special Education in The Hague is the only fully international special needs school in the Netherlands. It offers tailored support for children with more complex learning or behavioural challenges. However this is only for the primary school level.

What Parents Say

Feedback from parents of children with ADHD in Dutch and international schools often sounds familiar:

“Teachers are kind, but they don’t always understand ADHD.”

“We had to push to get accommodations in writing.”

“When my child moved to secondary school, all the support started over again.”

“The SEN coordinator made all the difference — she really listened.”

Many families stress that building a good relationship with the school is key. Regular communication, patience, and showing appreciation for small steps often go a long way.

Parents also recommend joining support networks such as the Expat Special Educational Needs Group (ESENG), which offers community advice, workshops, and shared experiences. Visit eseng.nl to learn more.

Practical Advice for Parents

Here are some tips that can make a big difference:

Start early. Talk about your child’s ADHD needs before or immediately after enrolling.
Ask for a written plan. Request an Individual Education Plan and regular review meetings.
Keep records. Save emails, reports, and teacher feedback.
Involve professionals. Share reports from psychologists or therapists; they help schools understand what works.
Stay in touch. Communicate with the teacher and coordinator regularly, especially during transitions.
Connect with others. Other parents can share school-specific insights and moral support.
Know your rights. If a school refuses support, you can use their complaints procedure or contact regional education authorities.

In Summary

Dutch education law — especially the Appropriate Education Act — gives children with ADHD the right to a suitable place in school and obliges schools to make reasonable efforts to meet their needs.

In practice, the quality of support depends greatly on the individual school, the teachers, and how strongly parents advocate for their child. International or bilingual schools often have more flexibility and familiarity with ADHD, but their resources also vary.

The good news is that awareness and openness are growing. With the right collaboration between parents, schools, and professionals, most children with ADHD can thrive in the Dutch education system.

If you would like personalised guidance, support during school meetings, or help creating ADHD-friendly learning strategies, Baumgarten Child Psychology & More can assist you. We specialise in helping international families navigate Dutch education confidently and effectively.

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