Tampere cuts first graders' environmental lessons to national minimum, saving €115,000 a year

The City of Tampere says the Education Committee approved the change on 14 April 2026; it takes effect on 1 August 2026 and reduces first graders' environmental studies by one hour per week. One hour less per week for pupils.

The move brings first-grade teaching to the national minimum of 21 hours per week — this school year first graders in Tampere have had 22. The reduction applies only to first grade; other grades will keep their additional hours, and the city will continue to offer 15 weekly hours of environmental studies across grades 1–6, one hour above the national requirement.

Deputy Mayor Anne-Mari Jussila said the adjustment shortens the school day by one hour while aiming to preserve quality and support pupils' stamina and the transition into school. The city estimates the measure will save about €115,000 a year by reducing staffing, substitute and hourly resource needs. City officials say a narrower timetable should make it easier to align preschool and early primary education, strengthen co-teaching and create integrated literacy-and-nature learning modules across subjects.