Education in Flanders threatened by shortages, children’s rights commissioner warns

Critical gaps in special education, vocational training and classes for non-native newcomers are putting pressure on education access across Flanders, the children’s rights commissioner reports. The commissioner's annual review was presented to the Flemish Parliament on Thursday.

The commissioner’s office received 1,319 complaints in the past year, a record high aside from the Covid-19 peak. Education-related complaints made up 45 per cent of cases, primarily related to disciplinary measures and support for students with special needs.

The report, titled Children Between Law and Reality, recognises recent legislation supporting children’s rights but points to a persistent gap between policies and actual experiences, particularly in education. Despite plans to increase special education places, for example, a shortage estimated at 700 to 900 places leaves many children with disabilities unable to access much-needed support.

Inadequate services

Teacher shortages and lack of expertise further hinder inclusion efforts for pupils with special educational needs. The commissioner criticised a new support decree as “failing to guarantee adequate educational and care services”. Some support centres remain understaffed and lack the resources and experience required to implement inclusive practices, the commissioner reports. 

Education Zuhal Demir defended the new support decree, which she says will help “step up” regular education. She also said the capacity issue was furher being addressed by additional investments in school infrastructure of 370 million euros over the next five years and a greater focus on behavioural issues. 

Youth minister ​ Melissa Depraetere calls the number of reports to the children’s rights commissioner “a sad milestone that also clearly shows where the policy for the protection of children and young people is falling short today”.

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