Dyslexia Support Refused at School — Your Rights

If your child has dyslexia, they have the right to appropriate support at school under Dutch law. Unfortunately, it regularly happens that schools in the Netherlands don't provide the right help or even refuse to give extra support. This is not only frustrating for your child, but also violates the law. Fortunately, as a parent you have strong rights to advocate for your child.

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What's the situation?

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects reading, writing and spelling. Children with dyslexia often have difficulty recognising letters, remembering word patterns and reading fluently. Without proper support, these children can fall behind in ways that affect their entire school career. However, some schools in the Netherlands are insufficiently equipped or willing to provide appropriate help. This can be due to lack of knowledge, resources, or a misunderstanding of their legal obligations under Dutch education law.

What does Dutch law say?

Dutch law sets clear requirements for schools when it comes to supporting pupils with specific educational needs such as dyslexia. Schools have a duty of care (zorgplicht) and must provide appropriate education (passend onderwijs). This obligation is laid down in various legal articles that require schools to provide adequate care. Ignoring this duty is not legally permitted under Dutch law and can have legal consequences.

1Compulsory Education Act (Leerplichtwet) Article 5a: Schools must ensure that education is adapted to the pupil's developmental possibilities

2Primary Education Act (WPO) Article 11 and Secondary Education Act (WVO) Article 17: Schools have a duty of care for pupils who need extra support

3Appropriate Education Act (Wet passend onderwijs): Schools must make appropriate educational provisions for pupils with specific educational needs

What are your rights?

As a parent of a child with dyslexia in the Netherlands, you have strong legal rights. These rights ensure that your child gets the support they need under Dutch education law.

1Right to diagnosis: You can demand that the school investigates possible dyslexia if you see reason to do so

2Right to appropriate education: The school must adapt education to your child's specific needs

3Right to extra time and tools: During tests and exams, your child has the right to compensatory measures such as extra time

4Right to a development plan (ontwikkelingsperspectief): The school must draw up a plan with concrete goals and approach for your child

What can you do now?

It's important to build up step by step and document everything well. Always start by having conversations before taking legal action under Dutch law.

1Step 1: Schedule a meeting with the class teacher and/or internal supervisor to discuss your concerns and make concrete agreements

2Step 2: Ask for a development plan and put all agreements in writing via email or letter

3Step 3: If the school won't cooperate, file a formal complaint with the school management or board

4Step 4: If problems persist, seek legal help or contact the Education Inspectorate (Onderwijsinspectie)

Template letter

A well-drafted letter can make the difference in your communication with the school. MijnRecht.AI can help you draft a professional and legally sound letter that emphasises your child's rights under Dutch law and requests concrete actions from the school.

Where can you get help?

There are various organisations in the Netherlands that can help you with dyslexia support problems at school. The Legal Desk (Juridisch Loket) offers free legal advice for education matters under Dutch law. The Disputes Committee for Appropriate Education (Geschillencommissie Passend Onderwijs) handles complaints about support. In serious situations, you can contact the Education Inspectorate (Onderwijsinspectie). For specific dyslexia questions, you can contact the Dutch Association for Dyslexia (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Dyslexie) and the Dyslexia Association Netherlands (Dyslexie Vereniging Nederland).

Conclusion

Remember that you're not alone in this fight for your child. Dutch law is on your side and there are many ways to enforce the right support. With the right approach and possibly legal help, you can ensure your child gets the opportunities they deserve in the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the school refuse to test my child for dyslexia in the Netherlands?

Does my child have the right to extra time on tests without an official diagnosis?

What if the school says they don't have money for extra support?

Can I demand a special dyslexia trainer comes to the school?

How long can the school take to arrange support?

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