The objective of the engaging school community work model is to support school attendance, create an affirmative culture of action and reduce absenteeism in primary and lower secondary education. The model is part of the implementation of the Ministry of Education and Culture's Action plan to prevent bullying.  

The engaging school community work model aims at: 

• reducing and preventing school absenteeism in partnership with households 

• supporting pupils’ attachment to their school by strengthening positive school culture and well-being 

• identifying and aiding pupils facing challenges in regular schooling  

• strengthening basic skills attainment and learning outcomes.  

Due to the engaging school community model some changes were made to the Basic Education Act as well as in the National Core Curriculum for Basic Education. The updated versions took effect on 1 August 2023. From that on it has been education providers’ duty to prevent absences among pupils attending primary and lower secondary education while monitoring and intervening into absenteeism in a systematic manner. The education provider must report unjustified absences to the pupil's parent/guardian.  

Additional information (in Finnish):

https://okm.fi/sitouttava-kouluyhteisotyo 

Source: Eurydice Unit Finland