Respecting Children's Rights in Finland: An Expat's Perspective

Finland is renowned for its strong focus on equitable and quality education. As an expat or parent considering relocating to Finland, it is essential to understand how Finnish educational institutions respect children's rights and accommodate expat children. In this article, we will explore these aspects in detail.

Basics of Finnish Education and Language Provision

Finland offers basic education to all children, with the majority learning in either Finnish or Swedish. According to official statistics, around 94% of schools teach in these two languages. However, there are programs in English, French, and German in larger cities, primarily for international students. Notably, for expat children, many municipal schools offer additional English-language curriculums in cities such as Helsinki and Espoo. Despite the popularity of these alternatives, admissions can be highly competitive.

Early Education and Nurseries

Finland does not have a formal nursery system, as early education starts at home during the parental leave period. Children generally begin early education around the age of one when parental leaves end, and by age three, all Finnish children are mandated to attend early education. Due to this, it is crucial for expat parents to apply early to ensure they get a place near their home. The Finnish government guarantees a place for working parents, but it may require a distance if needed in times of urgency. All children have the right to attend early education, and they must attend school from ages 7 to 18.

Developmental Support and Language Acquisition

In early education, personalized plans are created for each child’s development goals in collaboration with guardians. For expat children or those who do not speak Finnish or Swedish, learning the local language is a significant focus. Typically, non-native speakers can reach a functional level of language proficiency in less than a year. Municipalities also offer special preparatory classes for those at school age who lack local language skills. These classes emphasize language acquisition, and the speed of mastery varies with each child. Standard curriculums are then joined with extra support in local languages as needed.

Monitoring and Support Systems

The Finnish education system is highly transparent and supportive, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly. A digital platform facilitates daily communication between teachers and guardians, allowing for immediate reporting and discussion of any concerns. Additionally, there are mandatory meetings between educators, guardians, and children at least twice a year to ensure open lines of communication. Extra meetings can be requested at any time, and these can be held online or in person. This multifaceted approach helps in swiftly resolving any issues before they escalate into neglect cases. During the COVID-19 closures, these meetings were conducted virtually, but face-to-face meetings are now an option as well.

Conclusion

Finland’s education system prides itself on respecting children's rights and providing fair access to quality education. For expat parents, this means that their children can integrate smoothly into the Finnish education system, with tailored support available as needed. Whether it’s through language acquisition programs or regular communication channels, the system ensures that no child is left behind. In Finland, it’s not just about providing education; it’s about ensuring every child thrives.