Lawyer explains what schools cannot force parents to buy for children's education

As the new school year approaches, parents are once again raising the question of how much of the learning process must be covered free of charge and how much falls on families to buy themselves. Attorney Jānis Dzanuškāns explains to LA.LV that the law provides a fairly clear answer.

Two categories of items

The Education Law distinguishes between teaching aids and individual school supplies. Teaching aids — such as textbooks, workbooks, handout materials, and substances or materials needed for practical assignments — must be provided free of charge by the school, since they are required for mastering the mandatory curriculum. Individual supplies, on the other hand — pens, pencils, notebooks, pencil cases, sports clothing and footwear — remain the responsibility of parents. The Ombudsman has given a similar explanation.

Schools cannot demand specific brands

The lawyer notes that parents have every right to ask why a teacher requires a specific brand of material, such as a particular type of paper or canvas. According to the Ombudsman, parents cannot simply be obligated to buy an individual item of a specific manufacturer or brand without justification.

Donations must remain voluntary

The so-called "class fund" or "donation to the school" is, by nature, a voluntary payment and cannot be turned into a mandatory fee. A child must not be put at a disadvantage because their parents have not paid. If a family cannot afford a particular individual item, it is the school's responsibility to find a solution so the child can fully take part in lessons — rather than excluding the child from class.

Notably, in Finland the principle of free basic education goes even further, with schools providing everything, including individual supplies.

What to do in case of a dispute

If parents doubt whether a purchase is truly required, the lawyer recommends first asking the school in writing for the legal basis of the specific payment or purchase and whether it concerns an individual item or a teaching aid the school must provide. If the response is unsatisfactory, the next steps are to contact the school's director, then the school's founder — the municipal education department or another responsible authority — and, if concerns about a violation of the child's rights remain, to turn to the Ombudsman.