What happens when a student is too ill to attend school for an extended period of time? In Flanders (Belgium), this challenge is addressed in a structured way: through a legal right to continue education during illness. As part of this right, the support is provided free of charge for students and schools.
Synchronous internet education is one of several recognized forms of educational support for absent students. Bednet is appointed by the Flemish Ministry of Education as the central organizer of this measure within the Flemish education system.
“Bednet, with the lesson and all the rest”
A structural and legal right
Since 2015, students who are long-term or frequently absent due to illness, an accident or maternity leave have a legal right to access synchronous internet education. This right is embedded in the Flemish educational legislation.
This means that continuity of education is not optional or dependent on individual schools. It is structurally embedded in the educational system. Schools are required to inform students and parents about this possibility and to include it in their school policies, ensuring that access is known and available to all.
Importantly, while access to synchronous internet education is a legal right, it is not obligatory for students. The decision to use it is always made in consultation with the student, her/his family, the school and medical professionals. This ensures that participation is taking into account the student’s health and learning needs. In some situations, alternative forms of support, or a gradual return to school, may be more appropriate.
Learning live, with room for adaptation
Synchronous internet education allows students to follow lessons live and interactively from home or hospital.
They can see and hear what happens in the classroom, ask questions and participate in activities. At the same time, participation is always adapted to what is meaningful and feasible for the student, depending on their situation.
This approach makes possible that students can:
- participate in classroom activities
- stay connected with teachers and peers
- continue their learning trajectory
In this way, synchronous internet education contributes to limiting learning delay and supports a gradual return to school.
Who can access synchronous internet education?
Synchronous internet education is available to students who:
- are unable to attend school due to illness or related situations
- are expected to be absent for a longer period or regularly (>4 weeks or 36 half days per school year)
- are at least 5 years old
- are enrolled in formal primary or secondary education
- are enrolled in a school that is publicly funded
It can start at any moment during the school year and can also be combined with other forms of support, such as a hospital school, temporary education at home or partial return to school, depending on what is most appropriate for the student.
Bednet as a partner in practice
Bednet acts as the central organizer of synchronous internet education. It provides equipment and supports the set-up and follow-up of each trajectory, ensuring that schools and families are not left alone in this process.
Beyond technology, Bednet can support schools in aligning expectations and organizing participation in a way that remains manageable for the student and other actors.
The service is free of charge for both students and schools and there is no waiting list.
From access to meaningful continuity
The Flemish approach shows how a legal right can be translated into practice.
By embedding synchronous internet education in legislation, organizing it centrally through Bednet, and assigning a clear role to schools, the system ensures that continuity in education is not dependent on individual initiatives. This way, absent students are not only given access to education, but can remain actively and meaningfully connected.
Author: Eva Collette from Flanders (Belgium)
Contact: info@bednet.be
Website: www.bednet.be
