There are differences among the sexes and nationalities.
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This means that in total, 53% of pupils with special educational needs received learning support in standard classes, 6% attended a special class and 41% went to a special school in 2017/8.
How it works
Over the past decade, Switzerland has introduced an inclusive educational approach for children with disabilities and learning difficulties, meaning that they may attend regular schools. But there are regional differences: education is overseen by the 26 cantonsExternal link in Switzerland which each have their own special needs concept. This can lead to some cantons more readily accepting special needs children into mainstream schools than others, as can be seen in the example of Carmen below.
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Inclusive education proves a success
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Many children with disabilities attend regular schools in Switzerland, but there are stark regional differences.
n the classroom, teachers usually receive support from qualified special needs teachers and assistants who focus on integrating learners into the regular class programme. Sometimes pupils will follow an adapted school curriculum if they are not able to reach the regular curriculum goals.
In all, almost 97% of pupils attend regular school, with just 3.3% going to separate schooling, be it a pre-school class (extra year between Kindergarten and primary school), a school class for non-native speakers (for foreigners who need to learn the local language quickly, available in some cantons), another special class in regular school or a special school, according to Tuesday’s statistics.
“Special schools now make up a minority in the Swiss school system (4.4% of educational institutions in obligatory education),” said the statement.
Some critics of inclusive education maintain that the other pupils risk falling behind when children with disabilities are integrated into a regular class, but overall experts believe that the practice works well. They say the idea is to have as much integration as possible, but separation when needed.
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Listening to deaf children’s needs
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In Switzerland many deaf pupils go to mainstream schools. But the Swiss Federation of the Deaf says that many pupils struggle with this approach.
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Italian consulate to relocate to ‘Casa d’Italia’ in Zurich
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The Italian state is renovating the "Casa d'Italia" in Zurich's Kreis 4 district, with plans to move the Consulate General from its current location on Tödistrasse in District 2 to this historic building.
Swiss companies maintain financial stability amid European struggles
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Swiss companies continue to demonstrate financial robustness compared to their European counterparts, although corporate restructuring activities have increased in recent months.
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Unknown assailants detonated an ATM in canton Vaud early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the building. The perpetrators fled the scene and remain at large.
Kudelski Group to sell Skidata division to Assa Abloy
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The Kudelski Group is selling its Skidata division to the Swedish manufacturer of locking and security systems Assa Abloy.
Tragic weekend in Swiss waters: three bodies recovered
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Swiss authorities recovered three bodies from local waters over the weekend, with one incident occurring in Zurich and two in Zug.
Lake Parade in Geneva attracts over 100,000 people
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The 22nd Lake Parade and the Lake Sensation in Geneva attracted over 100,000 people in summery weather on Saturday. There were no major incidents at either event.
Graubünden storm causes significant economic damage, prompting support measures
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The recent storm in Misox, in canton Graubünden, has resulted in severe economic damage, affecting SMEs, tourism, and agricultural land.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
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What can be done about disruptive kids?
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Teachers are dealing with a rise in disruptive pupils in Switzerland, with problems already starting in kindergarten, reports say.
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Not all gifted children are receiving the support they need in Swiss schools. Time to take more action, the Federation of Swiss Teachers (LCH) says.
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At eight years old, Manarekha still has difficulty speaking and counting. But now she is helped by a pioneering school in the Swiss canton of Ticino.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.