Overview
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Browse situations, basics, contact points and practical checklists.
situations
New in Basel: How to register your child for school
The correct registration method depends on the age of your child and the municipality in which you live. First choose the appropriate situation - then you will only see the steps that apply to you.
Open page →Specific situationClassification after immigration: class and support
After registration, the school decides which class your child will be in and what support it will receive. You can contribute your perspective. Here's how to prepare.
Open page →Specific situationUnderstand your first letters from school and authorities
A letter from school or authority? Check first: who is writing, what is required, by when? This page shows you how to react correctly.
Open page →Specific situationLearning German: Offers for my child
Does your child speak little German? In Basel-Stadt it is supported free of charge: in front of kindergarten and at school. You don't have to look for a private solution.
Open page →Specific situationLearning German for parents
Would you like to learn German? The easiest way to get started is the canton’s official course portal. There you will find subsidized courses in your area.
Open page →Specific situationWho will help me in the first few weeks
New in Basel and have many questions at once? You don't have to solve everything at the same time. This page helps with ordering and gives the first address.
Open page →Specific situationPrepare well for a conversation with the school
You are allowed to receive information, ask questions and contribute your perspective. Prepare a few specific points and at the end note who will do what and by when.
Open page →Specific situationOrganize interpreting for school discussions
Would you like to understand a school conversation well? Report the need for interpretation early. Children never have to interpret for their parents.
Open page →Specific situationThis is how the transition to secondary school works
Your child will receive the decisive certificate in mid-April. The points determine the performance train A, E or P. If the points are not enough for the desired train, a voluntary entrance examination is possible.
Open page →Specific situationUnderstand the service trains A, E and P
A, E and P are the three performance levels of secondary school: same subjects, different requirements. No train is a dead end.
Open page →Specific situationPrepare the location meeting for the transfer
Before the transfer, the school invites you to a location discussion. Well prepared, you bring your perspective and understand the recommendation.
Open page →Specific situationDisagree with the classification
Do you disagree with the classification? There are recognized ways: the interview, the voluntary entrance examination and formal objections. Secure the deadline first.
Open page →Specific situationThe train change in secondary school
Your child's performance has changed? Switching between service trains is planned. The path leads through the school.
Open page →Specific situationWhat the power train means for the connection
Which doors open which service train? This site ranks realistically, without false guarantees.
Open page →Specific situationThe schedule from the 2nd secondary class
The choice of career begins in the 2nd secondary school, not just in the 3rd. This page shows what is coming up and when.
Open page →Specific situationRegistration at high school, FMS and WMS compact
Does your child want to go to high school, the FMS or the WMS? Clarify school type, admission and registration deadline. The official website of the canton is always decisive.
Open page →Specific situationNo apprenticeship or school yet: You can do that now
Don't wait until after the summer holidays. Gap and the triage point support young people without a suitable follow-up solution, after dropping out of their apprenticeship or after a long period of time without training.
Open page →Specific situationBridge offers: Which option suits what?
Not every gap year has the same goal. The triage point compares the current situation with the available offers and organizes access.
Open page →Specific situationCareer choice: the process and my role as a parent
You can give your child a lot of support in choosing a career, even without knowing the Swiss system from your own experience. Accompany instead of taking over.
Open page →Specific situationUse the career advice in Basel-Stadt.
Career advice in Basel-Stadt is free and open to all young people and adults. It's not just there for problem cases.
Open page →Specific situationTrial apprenticeship: find, inquire, prepare
A trial apprenticeship is the best reality test for a profession. So your child asks and prepares.
Open page →Specific situationFind apprenticeships: where and how to look
The most reliable way to find apprenticeships is to use the official apprenticeship certificate on berufsberatung.ch. Searching systematically is worth it.
Open page →Specific situationThe application dossier for the apprenticeship
A complete, honest and well-maintained dossier opens doors: cover letter, CV, certificates. Multilingualism is a strength.
Open page →Specific situationReceived rejections: stay tuned and ask
Rejections are part of the apprenticeship search. What is important is what your child does with it: ask questions, adapt, stick with it.
Open page →Specific situationThe apprenticeship contract: understand and check
The confirmation is there and the apprenticeship contract is on the table? Read it carefully before anyone signs. If you have any questions, the teaching supervisor will help.
Open page →Specific situationMy child is having difficulties at school
Grades are dropping or homework is escalating? Start with the teacher, not with expensive tutoring. This page shows the sorted path.
Open page →Specific situationGerman as a second language at school
Your child is learning German as a second language (DaZ)? This is regular, free funding from the school and not a deficit stamp.
Open page →Specific situationMy child is being bullied: Here's what to do now
Listen calmly and take your child seriously. Then decide whether there is immediate danger or whether the school and school social work should begin a protection and clarification process.
Open page →Specific situationMy child is under severe stress: first steps
Does your child withdraw, sleep poorly or no longer want to go to school? This page shows who to talk to first and when professional help is important.
Open page →Specific situationScholarships: Support for training
A scholarship does not have to be repaid. A loan must be repaid later. Start with the official online clarification - it shows whether Basel-Stadt can be responsible.
Open page →Specific situationApply for a premium reduction: This is how you proceed
The premium reduction reduces the health insurance bill. One application applies to the entire household. Complete processing takes around two months - if the invoice is currently unpayable, additional direct contact is required.
Open page →Specific situationFamily allowances and training allowances
Every child is generally entitled to family allowances. The higher training allowance is available for training after compulsory school.
Open page →Specific situationFamily rental contributions
Is the rent eating into your family budget? Basel-Stadt knows family rent contributions. Many families don't know this.
Open page →Specific situationSchool costs, storage and materials: who pays what
Invoices for camps, trips or materials? If you have payment difficulties, speak to the school management. No child has to stay at home for financial reasons.
Open page →Specific situationI can't pay an invoice
Are you currently unable to pay an invoice or reminder? Act in the correct order. This page shows you the first steps and free advice.
Open page →Specific situationSocial assistance: initial orientation for families
If your income is still not enough, social assistance can support your family. Advice is non-binding – finding out more has no consequences.
Open page →Specific situationDaily structures: registration and costs
Daily structures look after your child before and after lessons. Tariffs depend on income. Asking costs nothing.
Open page →Basics
The school system in Basel-Stadt at a glance
Compulsory school lasts eleven years: two years of kindergarten, six years of primary school and three years of secondary school. Select your child's current stage.
Open page →Understand the basisThe paths after compulsory school
After compulsory school, there are three main paths: vocational training, a middle school or a bridge offer as an interim year.
Open page →Understand the basisEBA, EFZ and vocational baccalaureate explained
EBA, EFZ and vocational baccalaureate are the three most important terms in vocational training. Here they are simply explained.
Open page →Understand the basisThe school years count: HarmoS simply explained
Official letters count the school years from 1 to 11, from kindergarten onwards. In everyday life many people say «3. Class Sec. Both mean the same system.
Open page →Understand the basisWho is responsible for what in Basel-Stadt
Who is responsible for what in Basel-Stadt? The basic rule: Start at the closest level, usually the class teacher.
Open page →Platform
Home page Open Knowledge
Home page of Open Knowledge: search, directions and five subject areas.
Open page →Open KnowledgeSignpost (guided entry)
Three short questions will guide you to a suitable introduction.
Open page →Open KnowledgeHelp in an emergency
Choose what is happening. Tap the number to call. If you are unsure and imminent danger is possible, call 112.
Open page →Open KnowledgeI don't live in Basel-Stadt
Open Knowledge applies to the canton Basel-Stadt. Here you will find suitable entry points for other places of residence.
Open page →Open KnowledgeThis is how we work
This is how we ensure that our information is correct – and where our limits lie.
Open page →Open KnowledgeFeedback: Is something wrong?
Something is wrong or unclear? Your feedback makes Open Knowledge better.
Open page →Open KnowledgeFor specialists and multipliers
How to use Open Knowledge when talking to families: show, share, print.
Open page →Contact points
Primary schools Basel-Stadt, registration and information (kindergarten, primary, secondary)
School registration, allocation, transfer procedure
Open page →Contact pointRiehen and Bettingen community schools
Registration and allocation for Riehen/Bettingen
Open page →Contact pointClass teacher and school management at your own location
first level for almost all school questions
Open page →Contact pointElementary school management (superior position)
Allocation, procedures, escalation above school management
Open page →Contact pointDay structures in primary schools
Support, registration, tariffs
Open page →Contact pointSchool social work SSA
social problems, bullying, stress; Offices at all primary and secondary schools
Open page →Contact pointSchool Psychological Service SPD
Advice and clarification on school and development issues; free, voluntary, open consultation hours
Open page →Contact pointCrisis intervention center KIS
Crises in the school context
Open page →Contact pointChildren and Youth Service KJD
civil child protection, risk reports
Open page →Contact pointCareer, study and career advice Basel-Stadt
free vocational and career advice for young people and adults
Open page →Contact pointCenter for bridging services ZBA including triage point
Bridge offers, assignment, profiles
Open page →Contact pointGap, Case Management Vocational Training
Accompanying young people who have difficulty getting started
Open page →Contact pointDepartment of Teaching Supervision
Teaching contract, questions and conflicts in teaching
Open page →Contact pointOffice for Training Contributions
Scholarships and loans, initial clarification, applications
Open page →Contact pointOffice for Social Contributions ASB
Premium reduction, family rent contributions
Open page →Contact pointFamily compensation fund / compensation fund Basel-Stadt
Family and training allowances (depending on employment status)
Open page →Contact pointBudget and debt advice for the Basel region
Budget support, debt issues
Open page →Contact pointSocial assistance Basel-Stadt
economic assistance, advice
Open page →Contact pointUPK Basel, Clinic for Children and Adolescents (Polyclinic)
Clarification and treatment of mental illnesses in minors
Open page →Contact pointEmergency route for children and young people (children's hospital or UPK emergency room)
Acute psychological emergencies outside opening hours
Open page →Contact pointPediatrician
medical first point of contact, referrals
Open page →Contact pointKESB Basel-Stadt
Child protection measures
Open page →Contact pointGGG Migration
Advice in many languages on everyday social, financial and legal issues
Open page →Contact pointOfficial German course portal and adult education department
Course search, voucher, discounts
Open page →Contact pointInterpreting agency Basel region
intercultural interpreting for conversations
Open page →Contact pointAdvice center for discrimination and racism
Advice and triage for experiences of discrimination
Open page →Contact pointVictim support from both Basel
Advice after violence and crimes
Open page →Contact pointYouth advice for open youth work
low-threshold contact point for young people
Open page →Checklists and templates
Family document folder
Store basic documents (ID cards, certificates, contracts, insurance policies, decisions) in an orderly manner; Letter check part (deadline, obligation to respond, filing)
Open page →ChecklistApplication check and search log for apprenticeships
Dossier completeness, adjustment per company, shipping list with status and follow-up date
Open page →ChecklistMoving in with a child: the first four weeks
Registration of residence, school registration per level, German course voucher, check premium reduction, first point of contact
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