A new record was set for the number of children participating in extracurricular activities (SFO). This increase follows the government's introduction in the fall of an offer of 12 hours of free after-school care per week for all first graders. This measure saves families around NOK 20 a year and is a continuation of government investment in out-of-school care.
The Norwegian Directorate of Education released new figures today that show a new record for participation in extracurricular activities, with the largest increase among first graders.
No less than 92 percent of first graders are now participating in the Extracurricular Activities (SFO) program, up from 83 percent in fall 2021. There has also been an increase in participation in grades 2-4. There are now 165 children attending SFO nationwide, 000 more than last year.
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An extended offer of free extracurricular education also for second grade students
In the autumn of next year, the offer of 12 hours of free extracurricular education per week will be extended to second grade students.
– The government wants all children to be able to use the SFO. It is a good arena of integration and social community. Cheaper out-of-school care will help many families in financially difficult times. That's why I think it's right that the government, together with SV, has given this priority to both first and second graders in next year's state budget, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
“This is a historic expansion of our common school. When second graders will also receive 12 hours of free out-of-school care from the fall, this will contribute to reducing social disparities. It is important that all children can participate and that parents can work, says Education Minister Tonje Brenna.
Biggest growth in Agder
All poviats recorded an increase in participation in extracurricular activities. The increase is greatest in Agder (15 percentage points), while Innlandet saw the second largest increase in participation (13 percentage points) since last year. However, Oslo has the most children in SFO, with an participation rate of 97 percent among first graders.
In addition to lowering the price, the government also has ambitions to increase the quality of SFO. The government will build on the work on the national framework plan, which was introduced in autumn 2021, and invest in strengthening employee competences. 2023 was allocated in the state budget for 10 million NOK to create competence offers for employees in non-school education.
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Source: regjeringen
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