Page 98 - DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES IN FINLAND

9.12.1 Early Childhood Education and Care
Children under school-age have a right to early childhood education and care. The municipalities are responsible for arranging these services. Families can also opt for a publicly subsidized private service provider.
Early childhood education and care is primarily organised in day-care centres and in family day-care. Participation in early childhood education and care is subject to a fee which depends e.g. on family income.
9.12.2 Pre-primary Education
Pre-primary education is systematic education and instruction provided in the year preceding the start of basic education. Pre-primary education is organised in day- care centres and schools. Providing a place in pre-primary education free of charge for all children residing in a municipality is a statutory duty for that municipality. Participation became compulsory in August 2015. This obligation does not concern children who are exempt from public obligations on the basis of their privileged status.
9.12.3 Basic Education
Children who are permanently resident in Finland have, as a rule, a statutory obligation to participate in education as defined in applicable legislation and regulations. This obligation starts usually in the year when a child turns seven and ends at the end of the school year when a child turns 17. This obligation does not concern children who are exempt from public obligations on the basis of their privileged status.
The school year starts in mid-August and ends in the beginning of June. Every student is allocated a place in a nearby school, but they can also choose another school with some restrictions.
Basic education, including the textbooks and materials are free of charge in public comprehensive schools, and students are provided with free daily meals. Classes 1 – 6 are taught by class teachers and classes 7 – 9 by specialized subject teachers. As a rule, all teachers have a Master´s-level university degree.
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