Finding a school suited to their child's needs, without having to travel long distances or risk an interruption in their schooling, is a concern for many families. To address this, the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, on a proposal by Education Minister Valérie Glatigny, has approved the opening of 4 new sites in several provinces. They share a single goal: to offer every pupil better conditions for learning and continuing their schooling in the best possible circumstances.
In Braine-l'Alleud, in the province of Walloon Brabant, the new site of the specialised primary school “Les Papillons” will meet demands that existing structures cannot currently satisfy. With particular attention to children with autism spectrum disorder, it will offer an environment better suited to their needs. For families, this means the possibility of finding a solution nearby and avoiding journeys that weigh on children's daily lives and their availability for learning.
In Marchienne-au-Pont, in the province of Hainaut, the new secondary site will allow young people to follow mainstream education programmes while receiving the specialised support they need. It will fill a gap in provision in the region, so that access to a path suited to the pupil's abilities does not depend on long journeys. Its location within the Athénée Royal Yvonne Vieslet will also foster links between mainstream and special education, as part of a more inclusive approach.
In Mont, in the municipality of Houffalize, in the province of Luxembourg, the challenge is to ensure continuity between primary and secondary school. Until now, the lack of sufficiently nearby provision could lead pupils to interrupt their schooling. The new Val d'Aisne site will allow them to continue their learning with appropriate support, close to their primary school, while avoiding journeys that are hard to reconcile with their health condition and, for some, separation from their family.
At Les Clairs Vallons, in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, in the province of Walloon Brabant, the creation of a secondary school separate from the primary school will strengthen support for pupils who are ill or recovering. A dedicated secondary-school leadership will be more present for young people and teaching staff. This will allow pupils to continue their schooling in a way that takes account of their health condition, thanks to the necessary educational, medical and organisational arrangements.
These decisions reflect our determination to develop special education provision where needs exist. In concrete terms, this means enabling more children to find a school that can welcome them with appropriate support, within a reasonable distance of their home.
To achieve this, the rules were adjusted in July to make it easier to open new special education provision in regions where it is lacking. We also want to better identify where places are insufficient and needs remain unmet, in order to anticipate difficulties and provide families with solutions more quickly.
Behind these changes lie very concrete improvements for children and their parents: shorter journeys, less fatigue, more family time and a lighter daily routine. For pupils, a closer school with tailored support also means being more available for learning, being able to progress at their own pace and continuing their schooling in better conditions.
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