Free after-school care in Norway. The state will fund activities for more children
From August 1, free after-school care (SFO) in Norway will include another group of children. The solution will benefit 4,039 fourth-grade students in 25 districts and 14 municipalities, primarily in areas with more challenging socio-economic situations. The state has allocated NOK 142 million for this purpose.
The state is extending the program to additional age groups.
Fot. Fotolia
The rights of younger students are also changing. Until now, children in grades 1–3 were entitled to 12 free hours of SFO, but the solution was subject to additional conditions. It applied, among other things, to students who already had a place in after-school care. The number of available places in a given municipality was also important. From August 1, the right to 12 hours per week is enshrined in the regulations, and local governments must provide a sufficient number of places.
Free hours for a larger group. Municipalities have a new obligation
SFO is intended to provide children with care before and after classes. According to the program, after-school care should also create conditions for play, rest, and valuable leisure time. As free access expanded, the number of children using the service increased. Now, the solution will also cover some fourth graders.
An additional NOK 142 million has been allocated for extra places. Free SFO will be provided to 4,039 fourth-grade students covered by state support programs for specific areas. The solution will apply in 25 districts and 14 municipalities. The Socialist Left Party (SV) played a significant role in introducing this measure during last year's budget negotiations.
An additional NOK 142 million has been allocated for extra places. Free SFO will be provided to 4,039 fourth-grade students covered by state support programs for specific areas. The solution will apply in 25 districts and 14 municipalities. The Socialist Left Party (SV) played a significant role in introducing this measure during last year's budget negotiations.
The Labour Party identifies support for children as one of the most important elements of its election program.Photo: Fotolia
Most places in Oslo. Support goes to specific schools
Oslo will receive the largest share of the funds. In the capital, the program will cover 2,515 students, with grants totaling NOK 88.4 million. Bergen will receive NOK 10.7 million for 305 students, and Fredrikstad NOK 10.3 million for 293 children. Additional funds will also go to Stavanger, Drammen, Tromsø, and Trondheim.
SV MP Sunniva Holmås Eidsvoll points out that the increase in participation after the introduction of free SFO was greatest in areas with a high proportion of residents with low incomes and lower education levels. This also applies to places where many children grow up in families that have been in financial difficulty for a long time. According to Eidsvoll, some students after fourth grade have so far been unable to use after-school care due to the costs borne by parents. Free places are intended to allow them to stay after classes with their peers.
SV MP Sunniva Holmås Eidsvoll points out that the increase in participation after the introduction of free SFO was greatest in areas with a high proportion of residents with low incomes and lower education levels. This also applies to places where many children grow up in families that have been in financial difficulty for a long time. According to Eidsvoll, some students after fourth grade have so far been unable to use after-school care due to the costs borne by parents. Free places are intended to allow them to stay after classes with their peers.
The program will also cover smaller groups of students outside the largest cities. In Kristiansand, 17 children will receive support, in Halden 30, and in Gjøvik 36. The list of schools receiving grants has been determined separately for each of the 14 municipalities.
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