FINANCING

Most institutions providing basic and upper secondary level education are maintained by local authorities or joint municipal boards (consortia of municipalities). Private institutions are under public supervision: they follow the national core curricula and qualification guidelines confirmed by the National Board of Education. They also receive the same level of public funding as publicly funded schools. Responsibility for educational funding is divided between State and the local authorities. Of the funding for primary and secondary education, the state subsidy averages 57 per cent of the costs, while municipal contributions amount to an average of 43 per cent. In addition, the State supports local authorities by granting them increased state subsidies to assist with provision of special education.

Every pupil has the right to receive their education and the interpretation and assistant services, teaching and pupil welfare services (including the services of the school doctor and psychologist, dentist, therapists and social and health care) and any special aids required for participation in education free of charge. In addition, textbooks and other learning materials, tools and work materials, school transport and daily school meals, accommodation and full board, as well as treatment of injuries sustained in accidents at school or during travel to school, are also free of charge for all pupils.

All students in vocational education and training are entitled to receive instruction free of charge, free daily meals every school day and free accommodation in a hall of residence assigned by the educational institution. Disabled students are entitled to receive assistant services, other student welfare services and any special aids required for studying. Some services are offered by the educational institution, whereas others are organised as services provided by the student’s municipality of residence in accordance with the Act on Services and Assistance for the Disabled (380/1987).

The Upper Secondary Schools Act (629/1998) provides that students with disabilities and those in need of special support for some other reason are entitled to assistant services, other teaching and student welfare services and special aids, as required in their studies.