Guidance and Counselling in Early Childhood and School Education

Academic Guidance  

All compulsory school pupils have the right to appropriate instruction within an encouraging study environment in suitable facilities which considers their needs and general well-being.  Each pupil is to have a supervisory teacher. Supervisory teachers are to follow closely their pupils’ studies and their personal development and general welfare. All pupils at the compulsory level have the right to receive educational and career guidance and counselling within the compulsory school by appropriate specialists. 

Pupils in upper secondary school have the right to receive educational and career guidance and counselling within the school from the appropriate specialists. 

Psychological Counselling 

Pupils in compulsory schools with social or psychological difficulties that may affect their studies, are to receive specialist analysis. All surveys and analyses regarding individual pupils are to be carried out within the compulsory school and made in consultation with parents. It is the municipalities´ responsibility to ensure that this service is provided in the compulsory school. 

Pupils, who have difficulties because of study problems, emotional or social problems and/or disabilities, have the right to special study support, according to Ordinance on Specialist Services in Schools n0. 584/2010.  

At the upper secondary school level, pupils with disabilities, and pupils with emotional or social difficulties are to be provided with instruction and special study support. Specialised assistance and appropriate facilities are to be provided as considered necessary by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. 

Career Guidance 

All pupils at the compulsory level have the right to receive educational and career guidance and counselling within the compulsory school by appropriate specialists. 

Pupils in upper secondary school have the right to receive educational and career guidance and counselling within the school from the appropriate specialists. The upper secondary school curriculum guide shall include description of the school’s objectives and policy concerning educational and vocational guidance and counselling and it shall also describe how the school fulfils its role and duty in this regard. 

At the upper secondary school level many, of the special units include preparation for the life of the adult life. This includes training for a job, either on the labour market, in sheltered workshops or in other facilities that are organised for the disabled. The aim is to find a permanent job for the pupils that suit their abilities and interests.  Mainstream and special schools introduce employment opportunities and the rules of work to their final year pupils with special needs, the aim being to have a successful transition from school to work.