Alarm in Norwegian Kindergartens: Too Few Staff, Rising Pressure and Uncertainty
Norwegian kindergartens are facing a serious staffing crisis. According to the latest survey conducted among members of Fagforbundet, nearly two-thirds of employees believe that the number of staff is too low to perform their duties responsibly. As many as 65 percent of assistants and 62 percent of pedagogical-care workers state that staff shortages directly threaten the quality of childcare.
The situation also affects the mental well-being of employees. Over 70 percent of respondents admitted that they constantly experience rush and stress at work, and six out of ten feel insecure in their daily responsibilities. The survey included more than 40,000 members of Norway’s largest trade union, highlighting the systemic nature of the problem.
Official staffing standards in kindergartens often look good on paper, but in practice, the situation is different. Sick leave makes it impossible to meet these standards, and the lack of substitutes further deepens the crisis. “It may seem that everything is fine on average, but when we take absences into account, the standards simply are not being met,” emphasizes Mette Nord, chair of Fagforbundet.
The problem takes on particular significance in an election year. Fagforbundet and the Socialist Left Party (SV) warn that a potential shift in power to center-right parties could lead to further cuts in public services, including preschool education. SV has announced that it intends to allocate 1.35 billion kroner in next year’s budget to strengthen kindergartens. Proposed measures include free preschool education for all children, better enforcement of staffing standards, student loan forgiveness for teachers, and broader opportunities for pedagogical specialization.
Politicians stress that the funds must go directly to the institutions rather than being redistributed by municipalities for other purposes. This, they argue, is the only way to stop the deepening crisis and ensure safe conditions for children.
Kindergarten employees have no doubts: if authorities do not act immediately, the situation will become unmanageable. Staff shortages are not only worsening working conditions but also pose a real threat to the safety of the youngest. “This is no longer a matter of comfort, but of responsibility,” warn the union representatives.
Source: FriFagbevegelse, Ansatte slår alarm: Bemanningen uforsvarlig lav, 3.09.2025 – FriFagbevegelse.no
