Kindergartens in Norway are managed by municipalities and you can obtain detailed information on fees and the applicable admission rules there. The municipalities are also the place where applications for admission to kindergarten should be submitted. What distinguishes kindergartens in Norway from those in Poland is the approach to playing outdoors. Therefore, parents should always remember about appropriate clothing for their children.
Kindergartens in Norway - municipal or private?
Although in Norway there are municipal and private kindergartens, it doesn't really matter in terms of prices. Both types of facilities are co-financed from the state budget to the same extent, therefore the cost of using a public or private facility is practically the same. Although tuition fees may vary, their amount is more influenced by issues such as equipment, the number of extracurricular activities or meals. Both types of institutions also have a similar recruitment system.
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Open kindergartens
An interesting Norwegian solution is the introduction of the so-called "Open preschool institutions". Parents and their children can come to them to use the available toys, as well as establish contacts with other parents and their children. Such kindergartens are usually free of charge, although a symbolic fee of NOK 20 or 30 may be required here and there.
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How are Norwegian kindergartens different from Polish ones?
The main difference between Norwegian preschools and Polish ones is the approach to outdoor play. Norwegian children spend a lot of time outside, which also requires appropriate clothing that you should always remember. At the same time, ensuring clothing that is always appropriate to the weather is quite a challenge - the weather in Norway is changeable. Therefore, kindergarten teachers make sure that their pupils always have wellington boots, a raincoat, a few pairs of socks, and a suit in case of extremely unfavorable weather conditions.
Fun outside regardless of the weather
Importantly, children spend time outside regardless of the weather. This applies even to rainy days or very frosty days. For this reason, it is so important to have the right clothing, including this spare one. The preschooler will have fun outdoors anyway, and the most important thing is to provide him with the right amount of clothes for a change.
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A good breakfast is essential
Unlike Polish institutions, kindergartens in Norway rarely offer their pupils a hot meal during the day. Rather, they are snacks and lunch, and preparing a nutritious breakfast is the responsibility of every parent. It is worth equipping your child with a thermos with something warm to drink. Preschoolers spend their time actively and often go on trips. That is why their parents are often asked to prepare, for example, two nutritious breakfasts.
What is a day in a Norwegian kindergarten like?
Nursery schools in Norway usually establish weekly timetables. It is the parents' responsibility to get acquainted with them - thanks to this, they will know what to wear and what to give the child for the day. If the program includes, for example, sports activities, the preschooler must have sports shoes. There are also some fixed program points and time for outdoor play, indoor study, dining, and excursions.
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Unusual equipment
Polish parents may also be surprised by the toys that are included in the kindergarten. Norwegians assume that children are to learn through play. That is why the institutions are equipped with, for example, hammers or mini ovens. These are everyday objects that preschoolers will later use as adults.
Excursions, performances, discos - that's how children have fun!
Kindergartens also offer trips to typical and unusual places. No wonder there are classes, for example at the police station, fire brigade or ... on a farm. There are also performances in which children participate actively. They often take part in them as actors. Discos or film screenings are also often organized - of course, appropriate for the age of preschoolers!
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Nursery schools in Norway can amaze you
There are significant differences between Norwegian kindergartens and Polish ones. That is why Polish parents may be amazed at how such institutions operate in Norway. First of all, it is worth remembering about appropriate clothing, and also to check the schedule every week. You should also be aware that it is the parents' responsibility to provide a nutritious breakfast with healthy snacks. The equipment that is in stock in a kindergarten in Norway should not come as a surprise - hammers or mini ovens are nothing strange here. Their role is to provide learning through play, because ultimately preschoolers will use such items in their adult life.
