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SEN support Austrian schools?

5 replies

Wonderinglike · 27/12/2025 08:36

We're considering looking for jobs on Austria (one of us is Austrian the other British) our little boy has some mild sen / possibly ADHD which is currently being looked into. Does anyone know if Austrian mainstream schools are any good with it? When I was a child it was almost non existent and I worry a bit that out son won't have enough classroom support. I'd really appreciate any help!

OP posts:
Wonderinglike · 27/12/2025 13:38

Anyone at all? Does someone have experience with sen support in neighbouring countries?

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Needsomepeaceandquiet · 28/12/2025 11:24

No experience of Austria I’m afraid but we are in a neighbouring country. There are probably regional differences as well as school differences in levels of provision. Would he be going straight into school or kindergarten?
Once you know where you are moving to I would visit the schools and ask them what support they have. How large are the classes? Do they have a regional specialist how can come in and observe/ provide guidance (to parent and teacher) and recommend what additional support is needed?
I would also find out if there is a local SEN support group. They will be able to give you tips on how it works locally. It’s also worth trying to find out if the district council equivalent generally accept or decline requests for additional classroom support. The local group will know this, as well as what you need to do to get around it.
We‘ve struck gold with a small nurturing school but the local authority are notorious for refusing classroom support.
Good luck with the move.

thornbury · 29/12/2025 07:05

This paper might give you some insight:
https://eera-ecer.de/ecer-programmes/conference/29/contribution/59389?utm_source=chatgpt.com

I work in the field of international inclusive education and each country has their own way of meeting needs, or not.

Wonderinglike · 29/12/2025 11:12

thornbury · 29/12/2025 07:05

This paper might give you some insight:
https://eera-ecer.de/ecer-programmes/conference/29/contribution/59389?utm_source=chatgpt.com

I work in the field of international inclusive education and each country has their own way of meeting needs, or not.

Thank you so much. In your expertise, would you mind giving me your opinion on how the UK is doing SEN wise in general? I've had the feeling our school was very proactive so far. The only reason we'd be moving is to be nearer my family and so I really don't want to make it worse for everyone else (my husband and son I mean!)

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thornbury · 29/12/2025 11:28

In general, most schools are pretty tuned in to meeting high incidence needs like ADHD where the child/young person needs reasonable adjustments such as movement breaks, flexible seating and grouping, task checklists. This is more easily managed in primary than secondary as there are fewer points of contact for the pupil. There seems to be a significant shortfall in adequate support for children whose needs extend beyond that. Some teens find getting support from a qualified ADHD coach really helpful.

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