Der Europäische Bürgerbeauftragte

Dear Mr. Diamandouros,

I have read the Commission's comments of 3 March 2004 and I would like to send you some information on the European Schools and their SEN (Special Educational Needs) Programme.

I attach the rules of 1999 and the new rules of 2004 and I suggest you make a comparison.

It is of course good that Learning Support is introduced in the secondary section.

But the rules on the SEN Programme have been changed in such a way as to reduce the influence of the parents (see the composition of the Advisory Group page 17 in the new doc).

In the 1999 document parents could be accompanied by the Parents'Association representative, in 2004 they can only be accompanied by a 'qualified specialist'. Previously it was possible to be accompanied by a person of one's own choice. Please investigate if this will no longer be possible.

Furthermore, the SEN inspectors are given even wider powers (the author of the report that forms the basis of the new rules is the primary SEN inspector P. Rieff, see attachment). Notice for example on page 19, item 4 Appeal Procedure, the director can reconsider the case in consultation with the SEN inspector. Also in the composition of the Advisory Group the national inspectors are out and the SEN inspectors are in (page 17).

I am the mother of a SEN pupil and also the Parents' SEN representative. I have attended about 50 advisory group meetings so I have a lot of experience.

I see a clear trend towards a much more restrictive policy towards the children with learning disabilities from the Eu schools. Recently a well-functioning Downs Syndrome child was told to leave the first year nursery class as per 1st March, i.e. in the middle of the school year. It cannot be true that a Downs Syndrome child cannot not even attend the nursery section where the activities are not academic, but more kindergarden stuff.

If you want to konw more, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Birgitte Holst

Luxembourg

Mother of a SEN pupil in 4th secondary Danish section Luxembourg