Exploring Special Education and Assistive Technology in the Netherlands
A Visit Full of Inspiration and Opportunities
Kathryn Stowell (CENMAC Lead) and Beranger Allee (CENMAC Advisory Teacher) recently visited our partner schools in Arnhem, the Netherlands, with the goal of strengthening relationships and developing new educational programmes for both students and educators.
The two-day visit in June was hosted by Vincent Verhoeven, ICT Coordinator at Lichtenbeek, who prepared an outstanding programme showcasing how special education in the Netherlands embraces technology-rich environments to engage learners and enhance teaching for trainee and experienced teachers alike.
iXperium Arnhem
The visit began at iXperium Arnhem, where Kathryn and Béranger received a warm welcome from Vincent, Itske Tersteeg (iXperium Lab Coordinator), and researcher Kirsten de Ries. From the outset, their shared passion for education, particularly within special education and technology, was evident and inspiring.
iXperium Arnhem is a collaborative initiative involving Delta Scholengroep, Flores Education, The Education Specialists, HAN Pabo, and the broader iXperium network. Together, they support future teachers, school leaders, and teacher educators in effectively integrating technology into educational practice. Itske’s dedication to inclusion within special education was truly infectious, leaving us inspired by the ongoing research and development happening at the centre.
At iXperium Arnhem, students and educators can explore innovative teaching methods, participate in research, and share best practices around ICT-enhanced learning. The centre offers hands-on programmes led by mentors, either in the lab or directly in schools.
Additionally, iXperium has developed a lending library of educational equipment for short-term use. Each piece of equipment is accompanied by lesson plans and instructional videos, enabling teachers to confidently integrate technology into their classrooms.
We also discussed a research programme around internationalisation that iXperium is developing and were excited to confirm our interest in participating alongside our own school Charlton Park Academy.
Lichtenbeek
On the second day, we had the opportunity to explore special education provision in the Netherlands in depth.
The morning was spent at Lichtenbeek School, located in the suburbs of Arnhem, where over 400 students with a wide range of needs are educated. The school specialises in providing education for children aged 4 to 12 with physical, intellectual, or multiple disabilities, as well as for children who are chronically ill.
Students Alicia and Viktor kindly gave us a tour, sharing their experiences and showcasing the specialist equipment and learning environments available. We then had the chance to learn about the Dutch educational system and the impressive curriculum offered at Lichtenbeek.
Martijn Vooren (School director) and his team leaders provided insights into the school’s ethos, values, therapies, collaborations, and the diverse educational opportunities offered.
We were stuck by the commitment to personalisation, with their children and young people supported across seven distinct learning pathways. We were pleased to see that we all shared the same core value of having the leaners at the centre of everything we do.
Vincent also shared how the ICT curriculum is mapped, delivered, and differentiated across these pathways, ensuring all students access meaningful and engaging technology in their learning.
Having Vincent as Lichtenbeek’s ICT leader creates a strong connection with iXperium, and the school has established its own robotics and ICT labs. We had the privilege of observing an engaging, interactive lesson led by a passionate teacher and seeing first-hand the enthusiasm of the learners.
Prisma College: Secondary Special Education in Focus
In the afternoon, we visited Prisma College, gaining valuable insight into what secondary special education looks like in the Netherlands. Teacher Stefan Hardy and his students provided a tour of the school’s exceptional facilities, supporting 263 students aged 12 to 18.
The school’s curriculum focuses on life skills, independence, and employability, with students thriving in a rich, practical learning environment. They engage in a wide range of functional skills activities, including gardening, drama and music, design and technology, ICT, cooking, and shopkeeping, supporting holistic development alongside academic learning.
The newly opened school building itself was outstanding, designed with learners’ needs at its heart and providing an inspiring learning environment.
Next Steps: Building International Opportunities
We concluded our visit with a meeting with Stefan, Vincent, and Itske, where we discussed future collaborations, including participation in the internationalisation project between the Dutch schools and Charlton Park Academy.
This visit left us energised and inspired by the innovative practices and inclusive approaches seen across the Dutch special education system. The opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and co-developing projects that enhance learning for our students and support professional development for educators are truly exciting.
We look forward to bringing these insights back to the UK, continuing to strengthen international partnerships that enrich our communities, and exploring new opportunities to integrate technology meaningfully into special education.
