Faroe Islands revise law on childcare centres and day care

The law governing childcare centres and day care in the Faroe Islands is being revised, with a proposal now sent out for consultation, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

The Ministry of Education said the aim is to update the 2000 legislation so it better reflects current needs, professional requirements and changes in society.

The proposal clarifies the division of responsibilities between the central government and municipalities, specifies which services and age groups are covered, and establishes common frameworks for pedagogical and special educational guidance.

The existing division of responsibilities will also be defined more precisely, so there is no doubt about who holds professional, administrative and financial responsibility.

A committee with representatives from the central government and municipalities will coordinate development in the sector. Municipalities will receive clear authority to set opening and closing times.

However, continuous closure during the summer may last no more than four weeks. Municipalities must ensure access to pedagogical guidance, while the central government will provide special educational guidance when there is a particular professional need.