How is one to ensure that all people can exercise their right to education, and that immigrant children are integrated as effectively as possible into the education system of their host country to counter the risk of drop-out and failure at school? The present survey describes the situation in 2003/04 at the pre-primary, primary and compulsory general secondary levels of education in 30 countries in the Eurydice Network.
In order to place the study in context, demographic data concerned with immigration and the relative size of the foreign population are included, together with a review of European legislation regarding the education of immigrant children. The study then considers the entitlements of these children under national legislation and the way they are integrated into the education system of their host country (reception an guidance, integration in mainstream or separate classes, school support measures, teaching of their mother tongue, and changes in school routine to meet their particular cultural requirements).
The final part of the survey deals with the intercultural approach at school for the benefit of all pupils.