The changes in the learning support model aim at clarifying and harmonising the forms of support provided. All learners will continue to have the right to learn and receive support throughout their learning path. Support will be provided earlier and more proactively.
Changes is pre-primary and basic education (6 to 16-year-olds)
In pre-primary and basic education, the three-level support system (general support – intensified support – special support) will be discontinued. When it comes to organising support, priority will be in support that is given in a group. All learners will have the right to access the in-group support. Where necessary, support given in a group will be supplemented with individual, pupil-specific measures. They will be based on stronger individual support needs and are regular and long-term in nature.
The school year 2025–2026 will be a transition period: in pre-primary education, decisions on special support will remain valid throughout pre-primary education. In basic education, decisions on special support will be reviewed during the school year to bring them in line with the new legislation.
Changes in general upper secondary education (16 to 18-year-olds)
In general, upper secondary education, students' right to remedial teaching and other guidance and support at an early stage will be strengthened. The objective of learning support is to strengthen students’ opportunities to complete the general upper secondary education syllabus. Furthermore, students will be entitled to special needs education if they need it to achieve the learning outcomes due to verified learning difficulties or other reasons.
Teams Live Event in Finnish for guardians on 10 April 2025
The City of Helsinki will be holding an information event for guardians on Thursday 10 April at 17.30–18.15 to provide information on the changes being made to learning support in pre-primary, basic and general upper secondary education. The event will be held in Finnish and partly in Swedish.
A link to the event will be sent to the guardians of children in basic and general upper secondary education in a Wilma bulletin. In early childhood education, the link will be shared by daycare centres.
Information in English
Information in English will be available on the hel.fi webpage ‘Changes in support for leaning 2025’. The page will open on 10 April.
