Back to Index	National Overview
Finland
Country	Finland
Topic:	Organisation of special education services
	Special education is provided to all those pupils who due to physical or mental disabilities are unable to cope in mainstream (regular) education, or that owing to an emotional disorder have difficulties in adjusting to work in a mainstream classroom. The municipality decides upon arrangements for special education in accordance with the regulations governing the school system. Groupings of pupils must always be made in accordance with an individual pupil's need for special educational provision. Decisions regarding special education are made by a board. When making decisions, the board has to hear the opinion of the pupil's parents and a specialist. Educational, health and social authorities have to co-operate in arranging instruction for pupils in need of special support. The fostering, education and rehabilitation of comprehensive school pupils is free of charge - including instruction, counselling, study materials, school meals, transportation, assistants for school activities, day care, accommodation, expenses due to accidents whilst in school and summer recreation.
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