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Netherlands, Rotterdam
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The Lighthouse Special Education emphasises development of communication and social skills alongside academics. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio (1:4) to foster deep relationships and support social and emotional development. It uses three picture-based communication systems—PECS, PODD, and Proloquo2Go—to support nonverbal or limited-verbal learners. The curriculum prioritizes social skills and learning to participate in groups, with goals for language and social development in individual education plans. The Lighthouse supports integration into the HSV International Department, enabling social inclusion and language practice with age peers. The well-being framework emphasizes relationships, competence, and autonomy as core conditions for motivation and well-being.
The Lighthouse Special Education is the only international special school in The Netherlands, offering individualized education to children aged 3-13 who cannot cope in international mainstream education. The school serves students with very complex needs, including non-verbal autism and multi-disabled profiles, with challenges spanning visual impairment, language development difficulties, cognitive and physical disabilities, and behavioural challenges. There are three classes: Early Intervention (2.5-5) in Three Little Ships preschool, Class 1 (5-8), and Class 2 (8-13). Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and occupational therapy are available during the school day with medical approval; students have Individual Education Plans. The curriculum is taught exclusively in English, with integration into the International Department where appropriate, and resources are tailored to each student's needs.
The Lighthouse curriculum is taught exclusively in English. Some students have English as a second or third language. Many students have limited verbal skills and communicate using pictograms and augmented communication systems such as PECS, PODD, and Proloquo2Go. Where applicable, Lighthouse supports language development through English-language instruction and integration with the HSV International Department. Therapy services, including speech therapy, support language development as part of the school day.
Well-being is central to the Lighthouse approach, guided by three basic conditions: relationships, competence, and autonomy. The school emphasises social skills development and group belonging, including lunchtime activities as part of the educational program. The high staff-to-student ratio enables staff to build trusting relationships and tailor support to individual needs. Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration are available to support mental well-being. Individual Education Plans track progress toward social and learning goals, with regular review and adjustment to support students' well-being.
The health and safety of the children are of highest importance. The school maintains a Child Protection Statement and HSV-wide Child Protection Policy, with an Intimate Care Policy for Lighthouse. All staff, interns and volunteers are required to provide a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (Good Conduct) before working. The school provides a Confidential Advisor and an External Confidential Advisor, as well as the National Confidential Advisor for complaints about education. For safeguarding concerns, contact details are available through the Confidential Advisor and External Confidential Advisor.
Located in the Netherlands, Lighthouse Special Education is an international primary school for children with complex special educational needs, offering education in English. The school serves ages 3 to 13 in two small classes (5–8 and 8–13), each with up to eight pupils, and a preschool class, Three Little Ships, for ages 2.5 to 5. Curriculum combines the British National Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum (UK), and the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum, with an individualized program for every student. For 5–13 year olds, it emphasizes basic skills in communication, reading, spelling, language and maths, using Edmark Reading Program and Numicon, and supports progress through tailored IEPs reviewed twice yearly. Learners access iPads with age-appropriate apps; therapies—speech and language, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and occupational therapy—are provided on-site by English-speaking, qualified therapists. The school focuses on social and emotional development, independence, and preparing students for school life within a supportive, multilingual environment.
