Vantaa model for leisure activities
The Vantaa model for leisure activities organises high-quality and inspiring recreational activities free of charge for comprehensive school pupils, close to their own schools and homes. The model is part of the national Finnish model for leisure activities.
The aim of the Vantaa model for leisure activities is to provide all comprehensive school pupils (grades 1–9) with equal opportunities to enjoy a fun and free hobby. The activities are based on pupils’ responses to surveys conducted by the organisers, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and other city service providers. The purpose of the activities is not to promote competition, but to support the well-being of children and young people, help them find a sense of community, prevent social exclusion, and reduce inequalities. All activities are scheduled so that they do not extend the school day unnecessarily. Registration for activities in the 2025–2026 school year opened in August 2025. The activities are high-quality, regular, and continue until the end of the school year.
Identifying the special needs of children, young people and families
All children should have equal opportunities to participate in recreational activities. We ensure this by adding assistants or extra instructors to hobby groups when needed, and by collaborating with experts in special and preparatory education. We also aim to provide all instructors with training in special needs education. The purpose of these activities is to prevent social exclusion and to raise awareness of the opportunities available. Children and young people are involved in planning through, for example, hobby exploration.
Hobby informations
Please find all the hobby information from these following websites
For the organisers of recreational activities
The Vantaa model for leisure activities is looking for new partners
The aim of the Finnish model for leisure activities is to ensure that all comprehensive school pupils (grades 1–9) have access to a high-quality, enjoyable, and free hobby close to their school and home. Some activities are arranged in connection with classes for pupils with disabilities or during after-school clubs. All activities must be regular and continue throughout the entire school year.
Potential organisers include sports clubs, individual artists and art educators, professional operators in arts, culture, and sports, as well as other qualified professionals. When selecting organisers, special emphasis is placed on the instructors’ expertise in their field and their experience of working with children and young people. In addition to planning and running the activities, organisers are responsible for managing registrations, communicating with guardians, and reporting to the designated contact person at the City of Vantaa.
Minimum criteria for organisers
- Organisers commit to providing regular weekly recreational activities throughout the school year, with a total of approximately 30 sessions.
- As a rule, activities are scheduled immediately after the school day. In some cases, they may also take place before or during the school day.
- Activities should primarily be organised at or near the school. If this is not possible, they may be held in other recreational, cultural, sports, or youth facilities close to the school. In all cases, activities must be arranged so that they do not unduly extend the school day, taking into account the stamina and schedules of children and young people.
- Instructors must be professionals in their field, have experience working with children and young people, and possess sufficient local knowledge.
Criteria for recreational activities
- All instructors must be qualified and experienced in working with children and young people. They must have either relevant training or proven experience.
- Instructors must be at least 18 years old. Assistants may be under 18.
- Activities must be low-threshold and free of charge.
- Activities must be open and accessible to all.
- Groups must be inclusive. Participants may bring an assistant, guide, or interpreter if needed.
- Activities must be safe and follow the principles of safer spaces. This means that children taking part must not face any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, or violence. Above all, organisers are expected to actively prevent such behaviour and to intervene in problem situations.
- Activities must take into account the wishes of children and young people. Participants should be included in both planning and implementation.
- Activities should not be competitive or goal-oriented. The purpose is to help children and young people enjoy their hobbies, maintain a positive group spirit, and make friends.
- Activities must take place before 5 p.m. The age and skill level of participants must always be taken into account.
Selection criteria in internal tendering apply.
Contact details
The Vantaa model for leisure activities is coordinated by the City of Vantaa’s Urban Culture Development Unit, in cooperation with the city’s Urban Culture services and the Education and Learning sector.