Applications are submitted primarily via Wilma – the guardians of upcoming first-graders can create a Wilma account for themselves from 11 March onwards
This year, applying for after-school activities is done via Wilma for the first time. The new digital application method makes both applying for a place and the processing of applications smoother. The application will be saved on the guardian’s Wilma account, which the guardian uses to take care of other affairs related to their child’s schooling. The after-school activity decision will also be sent to the Wilma account, in addition to which guardians will receive the decision by post.
Guardians of children starting school in the autumn who do not have a Wilma account can create one by using Suomi.fi identification from 11 March onwards. This way, the guardian will have access to Wilma before their child starts school. Guardians of upcoming first-graders who already have a Wilma account can also add their child starting school to their own account.
When creating a Wilma account, the guardian information is retrieved from the population data register of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, whereby its correctness is verified automatically. The strong identification process makes creating an account data secure. You can find instructions for creating a Wilma account at hel.fi/wilma.
If the guardian is unable to apply for a place in after-school activities via Wilma, they can alternatively fill out a PDF form and send it with their signature by secure email or post. You can find more detailed instructions at hel.fi/afterschoolactivities.
Places are offered to those who apply within the application period
Roughly 11,000 children living in Helsinki take part in after-school activities annually. A place is offered to all pupils in first and second grade who apply within the application period. If no place can be provided at the preferred activity site, the child is offered a place at another site in the area. If there are more applicants for an activity site than there are places, first grade pupils and special support pupils are given priority. All applicants are provided with a place at one of the activity sites in their area.
It does not matter on what day within the application period the application is submitted; it will not affect the probability of receiving a place.
After-school activities are subject to a fee, and they include a snack and insurance. If the child attends the activities until 16.00, the monthly fee is €100. The fee for activities lasting until 17.00 is €120 per month. The guardian can apply for a fee reduction or exemption based on their income level.
Instructed after-school activities make the family’s everyday life smoother
After-school activities complement the young schoolchildren’s day. The programme features play, exercise, outdoor activities and small hikes in the local environment. “What is important in the activities is doing things together with friends. Instructed and enjoyable activities support children’s wellbeing. We encourage all pupils in first and second grade to take part,” Head of Basic Education Outi Salo from the City of Helsinki comments.