New sponsor agreement: what does this mean for you as a parent?.

New sponsor agreement: what does this mean for you as a parent?.

There is a new sponsor agreement for schools. These are rules about how schools must deal with sponsorship by companies. The ministry of education made this together with schools and other organizations.

What is a sponsor agreement? 

Schools sometimes get money or goods from companies in return for something, like a mention in the newsletter. This is called sponsorship. This can be useful, but it must not affect the quality of education. That is why rules have been made. These rules together are called the sponsor agreement. 

If the school does not have to give anything back, then the money or goods are not sponsorship but a donation. Examples of sponsorship are: 

• Free sports equipment: A sports store gives footballs and hockey sticks to the school for gym class. In return, children wear a T-shirt with the sports store’s name during the school soccer competition.
• School trip sponsored by a company: A local company organizes a trip for the school. The school thanks this company in an article about the trip in the school newspaper.
• A new playground on the schoolyard: A toy store has placed a new climbing frame on the schoolyard. As thanks, the school puts a news article about it on the school website.

Why is this important for parents? 

As a parent, you want your child to get good and fair education. The sponsor agreement makes sure schools follow clear rules. This keeps education independent and lessons are not affected by companies or advertising. Also, parents have a say in sponsorship. The School participation council, where parents sit, must agree to the rules between the school and the sponsor. 

Important rules in the sponsor agreement:

• Sponsorship must not affect lessons. A company cannot decide what your child learns.
• Schools must be able to do their work without sponsors. Sponsorship is a bonus, not a must.
• Sponsorship must not harm children. It must fit a safe and healthy learning place.
• Everyone at school must handle sponsorship carefully. Teachers, parents, and school leaders must make sure everything is fair.