World Education: Pre-primary Education in Finland - Learning by Playing

According to Finnish education policy, a child who turns seven years of age is required to start his compulsory education. In the years that precede it, it is upon the child’s parents to decide whether to participate in pre-primary education.

The local authorities have a statutory duty to arrange pre-primary education and to make decision on the venue of the learning – in a school, a day-care centre, a family day care place or any other appropriate place.

Pre-primary education is provided free of charge, with qualified instructors who hold kindergarten teacher or class teacher qualification. Under the Basic Education Decree, classes are conducted for a minimum of 700 hours a year. Private basic education providers may also offer pre-primary education.

Free school transportation is provided to preschoolers who live beyond five kilometres from school or who are required to travel along dangerous route. Preschoolers are also entitled to a day-care place which charges an income-based fee.

The essential of Finnish pre-school education is learning by playing - to instill a better understanding on the differences between human beings, and between right and wrong through peer group while adopting basic knowledge and skills for their age. They will be exposed to local and national culture, nature and their own immediate surroundings, and how to cope with everyday life situations.