Leerhulp

Leerhulp is a Dutch term describing educational support provided to learners who struggle or wish to improve their skills. It encompasses a range of activities and resources aimed at strengthening literacy, numeracy, study skills, and subject understanding. Leerhulp can be delivered within schools as part of inclusive education, or outside school as tutoring, coaching, or remediation. It often combines one-on-one or small-group instruction with targeted exercises, feedback, and the use of assistive technologies such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, or adaptive software. Non-technical support, including organizational guidance and exam preparation, is also common.

In the Netherlands and Flanders, leerhulp is a core component of inclusive education policies. Interventions are designed to close achievement gaps and are typically offered after assessment by teachers, specialists, or educational psychologists. They may be short-term or long-term and are tailored to individual learning profiles, including reading difficulties (e.g., dyslexia), dyscalculia, language barriers, ADHD, or other developmental needs. Delivery can involve school-based specialists, external tutors, or digital platforms, and is often guided by learning plans or an individualized education plan.

Effectiveness depends on early identification, appropriate intensity, qualified staff, and ongoing progress monitoring. When well implemented, leerhulp can improve educational outcomes and engagement; however, critics warn against fragmentation or reliance on external services if core instruction remains weak. Overall, leerhulp is viewed as part of a broader strategy to provide equitable, accessible education.