Kronstad Kindergarten in Bergen faces staffing crisis ahead of school day

On Monday morning at 07:20, Kronstad Kindergarten in Bergen is set to open in ten minutes. However, unexpected sick leave has left only one adult supervising 18 children in the larger age group, while other rooms are also understaffed. Director Katharina Søreide sent a message to parents requesting that six to eight children from the larger age group stay home for the day, stating it was an uncomfortable request, but necessary for safe operation.

Søreide described the situation as a declaration of failure. With no available funds for temporary staff, the budget for substitutes and overtime had been exhausted in the spring to ensure staff wellbeing and comply with legal requirements.

Kronstad Kindergarten is not alone in facing these challenges, as many municipalities across Norway are struggling to balance their budgets. Bergen must implement cuts of 4.3 million kroner to its kindergartens this fall, according to the city’s school and kindergarten board member, Daniel Hägglund.

The Education Union’s Kjersti Bernes Drageide highlighted that most kindergartens likely violate the law requiring sufficient staffing for adequate educational activities. She pointed out that staffing norms are not being applied correctly, leading to a significant workload for the employees. A survey indicated that 40% of kindergarten directors feel the current staffing situation hinders the planning and execution of quality pedagogical offerings.

As Norway’s kindergarten sector grapples with financial constraints and a shortfall of qualified teachers, union representatives stress that the government must fully finance staffing requirements in future budgeting plans to ensure the well-being of children and staff alike.