Erityiskouluna

Erityiskouluna is a Finnish term that literally means “as a special school” and refers to institutions designed to provide education to children and young adults with a range of special needs. These needs may include intellectual disabilities, severe learning difficulties, physical impairments, or emotional and behavioral challenges that are not adequately addressed in mainstream schools. The concept is rooted in Finland’s commitment to inclusive education, where the default solution for a child’s learning environment is the regular school, but the system allows for special schools when a child’s circumstances necessitate a more tailored approach.

Special schools in Finland are organized at the municipal level, and each school typically has a capacity for around 30 students. The curriculum is adapted to individual learning profiles, and schools are staffed by teams that include teachers, special education professionals, and support staff such as speech therapists and occupational therapists. Educational goals focus on developing functional skills, social interaction, and personal independence in addition to academic knowledge.

Legally, special schools are described in the Finnish Education Act and regulated by the Ministry of Education. The Act emphasizes early identification of needs, continuous assessment, and the right to appropriate support. In recent decades, Finnish policy has shifted increasingly toward inclusion, encouraging special schools to serve as adjunctive rather than primary educational settings. Nevertheless, they remain an essential component of Finland’s special education landscape, ensuring that all learners receive instruction that matches their needs and potential.