What is Pre-primary Education?

Pre-primary education is part of the lifelong path of learning that begins at home and in early childhood education (ECEC) and continues into basic education. Pre-primary education includes activities that support the child’s learning, participation, development, and growth.

During the pre-primary year, children engage in play, physical activity, exploration, artistic expression, information gathering, and problem-solving. Pre-primary education strengthens the child’s self-esteem and provides positive learning experiences. In pre-primary groups, children practice diverse interaction and friendship skills with peers of the same age.

It is important for the child’s growth and learning that they are offered varied learning experiences that reinforce their self-concept as a learner and prepare them for school. Children are provided with opportunities to experience belonging and collaboration within a peer group.

Pre-primary education follows its own curriculum, based on the National Core Curriculum for Pre-primary Education. In pre-primary education, support for learning and participation is provided according to the child’s needs, as well as pupil welfare services, when necessary.

Does pre-primary education include school subjects?

Pre-primary education does not include separate school subjects as in basic education. Learning takes place through integrated learning modules, which are planned based on the children’s interests and experiences.

Pre-primary education promotes children’s diverse competences in the following areas of learning:

• Thinking and learning
• Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expression
• Taking care of oneself and managing daily life
• Multiliteracy
• ICT competence
• Participation and involvement

The best ways to support the child’s growth, development, and learning are discussed with the guardian when the child starts pre-primary education. The agreed practices are recorded in the child’s pre-primary education plan.

In Oulu, regular attendance in pre-primary education is the foundation for the child’s well-being and learning. All absences, except those due to illness, must be reported.

Permission for absences of 1–5 days is requested from the pre-primary teacher. Permission for absences longer than five days is requested from the head of ECEC centre. Permission for absence is always granted, and no compensatory assignments are required.