Pedagogical measures in primary school

A pedagogical measure of a warning, reprimand, severe reprimand or relocation to another school may be imposed on a pupil who behaves inappropriately

The measures are imposed pursuant to the principles of gradual implementation, proportionality, fairness and timeliness. They are imposed in cases of violation of duties, non-fulfilment of obligations, violent behaviour and other inappropriate types of behaviour. The type of measure depends on the severity of the inappropriate behaviour.
 
A pupil excelling in work and commitment can be praised or awarded. This is determined by the school’s statute.
 
A pedagogical measure in accordance with the provisions of the Act on Education in Primary and Secondary School, the Ordinance on Criteria for Pedagogical Measures and the school's Statute may be imposed on a pupil who behaves inappropriately.
 
The purpose of the pedagogical measure in cases of inappropriate behaviour is that it influences the change in behaviour of a pupil on whom the measure was imposed and that it incites responsible and appropriate behaviour of other pupils.
 
Pedagogical measures should encourage the pupils to take on responsibility and adopt the positive stance towards school obligations and environment.

Types of pedagogical measures

As a parent, you have to be informed about the inappropriate behaviour, the way the information was collected and the information that are important to make a decision on the pedagogical measure that will be imposed. In case your child behaves inappropriately and/or has unjustified absences, you will be summoned to school. In case you do not respond to a written call, the measure can be imposed without your input.
 
A pedagogical measure of a warning, reprimand, severe reprimand or relocation to another school can be imposed on a pupil depending on what they did.
 
Warning is imposed for less severe inappropriate behaviour or for 0.5 percent of unjustified absences from the total number of classes.
It is decided upon by the head teacher within 15 days of the acknowledgement of the inappropriate behaviour.
 
Reprimand is imposed for more severe inappropriate behaviour or for one percent of unjustified absences.
It is decided upon by the class council within 30 days of the acknowledgement of the inappropriate behaviour.

Severe reprimand is imposed for very severe inappropriate behaviour or for 1.5 percent of unjustified absences from the total number of classes.
It is decided upon by the teachers’ council within 30 days of the acknowledgement of the inappropriate behaviour.

Relocation to another school is imposed for especially severe inappropriate behaviour or for more than two percent of unjustified absences from the total number of classes.
It is decided upon by the school principal within 30 days of the acknowledgement of the inappropriate behaviour.
 
The explanation of the measure contains the location, time and manner of inappropriate behaviour, the consequences that followed or could have followed. It must also contain information on the previously imposed prevention measures, suggestions for help and support to the pupil with the objective of alleviating the cause of inappropriate behaviour.
 
You can file an appeal to the imposed pedagogical measure of a warning, reprimand and severe reprimand which shall be reviewed by the school principal.
 
An appeal to the measure of relocation to another primary school can be filed to the Ministry of Education and Science.
 
Pedagogical measures are imposed for the current school year, except for the relocation measure which remains in force until the end of primary education.

Absences

Absence from class, in case of a timely request by the parents, can be approved by:

• the teacher for absences during the school day;
• the head teacher for absences up to three (individual or consecutive) business days;
• the principal for absences up to seven (consecutive) business days;
• the teachers’ council for absences up to 15 (consecutive) business days. A parent can, several times a year, justify their child’s absences in the duration of maximum three business days for which they have not filed a request for approval.

The justifiability of absences due to health reasons in the duration of more than three consecutive business days must be proved by a physician’s confirmation.
 
The pupil’s absence from class can be justified by an appropriate confirmation from the competent institution, body or other competent natural or legal person (Ministry of Internal Affairs, court, competent social welfare centre, institution in which the pupil receives some kind of assistance or diagnosis, art schools, foreign language schools, dormitory, sports club, association for culture and art, theatre in which the pupil is included, specialist practice performing the check-up or diagnostics procedure etc.), including the e-confirmation of the scheduled check-up in a health institution.