Concerns raised over staffing issues at after-school care centers in Norway

Concerns have been raised regarding the working conditions for staff at Norway’s after-school care centers (SFO). Marie Sneve Martinussen, a leader in the Red Party, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that although they support free SFO programs, adequate staffing is crucial. Reports indicate that many SFO employees are overwhelmed, with high absenteeism rates and some arriving in tears due to the demands of the job.

Employees and union representatives have reported insufficient staffing to properly care for the children, an issue compounded by an increase in the number of children in SFO without a corresponding rise in support staff. Martinussen emphasized the necessity of establishing a national staffing norm, similar to those in schools and daycare centers, and the importance of providing necessary accommodations for children with special needs.

As the government prepares its budget proposal for 2025, Martinussen underscored the inadequacy of current funding for these programs, particularly as they extend services to more children, many of whom have special needs. She called for additional financial resources to ensure high-quality care.

Additionally, Kongsberg’s mayor expressed concerns that the shift to free SFO has adversely affected municipal finances, as true costs were not thoroughly evaluated. Martinussen added that if the government expands local services, it must also cover the increased costs to prevent municipalities from bearing the financial burden.

Lucie Katrine Eidem, the youth councilor in Trondheim, asserted that while free SFO aims to assist low-income families, it inadvertently compromises educational quality. She advocated for all children to have access to quality care, rather than merely a custodial service.