Special education schools have yet to receive the 10% funding boost promised in January
According to sector representatives, an annual increase of 2.1 million euros would be sufficient to ensure the operation of these schools.

Latest news and stories about special education in Portugal for expats and residents.
According to sector representatives, an annual increase of 2.1 million euros would be sufficient to ensure the operation of these schools.

Initially, he was not allowed to attend school, then he was permitted, but lost his right to transport. Most days, his parents are left to pay for a ride-hailing service. This case illustrates inequalities in special education.

In the extraordinary recruitment process for teachers, no vacancies in Special Education were filled, highlighting staffing shortfalls for pupils with special needs and prompting questions about the selection process.

The current amount stands at around €650 and will rise to €716, representing a 10% increase. However, schools say this rise is insufficient to meet their expenses, especially staff costs.

The monthly funding per pupil thus rises from €651.26 to €716.39 in special education schools, leading the Government to disburse €12.6 million this year.

The increase is intended to address the financial difficulties experienced by the schools, the government says.

The Ministry of Education said today it will increase by 10% the funds allocated to special education schools under cooperation contracts, clarifying that the boost aims to address the financial difficulties experienced by those schools.

Parents, teachers, headteachers, staff and relatives of pupils from private special education schools demonstrated in Lisbon today to demand additional funding to guarantee schooling for 500 children and young people.
Protests will take place outside the Ministry of Education to demand an increase in the contribution paid by the State.

Private institutions that take pupils referred by the ministry warn of underfunding and the risk of closure. On 5 January they will protest outside the Ministry of Education.
