The Swedish government has initiated an inquiry into the feasibility of mandatory preschool language training and language proficiency requirements for preschool staff. This move comes alongside an investigation into regulating group sizes and staff-to-child ratios in preschools, a development long advocated for by the Swedish Teachers’ Union. The union emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues, citing the detrimental impact of large group sizes on both teachers and children. They argue that current guidelines are insufficient and call for legislation mandating maximum group sizes, staff-to-child ratios, and the proportion of qualified preschool teachers in each setting.
The Swedish Teachers’ Union highlights the strain on preschool teachers caused by large group sizes. They describe a situation where teachers consistently feel overwhelmed and unable to adequately meet the needs of each child. The constant pressure of managing large groups contributes to stress and burnout among teachers, while simultaneously hindering children’s cognitive, linguistic, and emotional development. The union stresses that simply capping group sizes without addressing staff-to-child ratios could lead to employers reducing staff numbers, further exacerbating the problem. They advocate for a comprehensive approach that ensures adequate staffing alongside smaller group sizes to create a high-quality preschool environment for all children.
Furthermore, the union points to the significant disparities in preschool group sizes across the country. While some municipalities adhere closely to the Skolverket (Swedish National Agency for Education) guidelines, others consistently exceed them, with some reporting that over 90% of their groups are larger than recommended. This inequity, the union argues, is unacceptable and underscores the need for national legislation to ensure consistent standards and quality across all preschools. The anticipated decline in birth rates presents an opportunity, they suggest, to implement these changes effectively and create smaller, more teacher-led groups.
Johanna Iger, a preschool teacher in Jönköping, provides a firsthand account of the challenges posed by large group sizes and long operating hours. She describes the emotional toll of leaving her colleagues to manage an oversized group at the end of her shift, knowing that the children’s needs may not be fully met. This creates stress for both her colleagues and herself, highlighting the human cost of inadequate staffing and large group sizes. Iger’s experience underscores the union’s concerns, demonstrating the real-world impact of these issues on both teachers and children.
The government’s inquiry, slated for completion by December 18, 2025, aims to address these concerns. School Minister Lotta Edholm acknowledges the widespread issue of oversized groups exceeding Skolverket’s recommendations and emphasizes the need for regulation. She highlights the interconnectedness of group size and staff-to-child ratios, stressing that both aspects must be considered in tandem. Edholm also mentions two other ongoing investigations focused on reducing administrative burdens on teachers and raising the standards for teacher training, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the quality of early childhood education.
The declining birth rate, according to both the union and the Minister, offers a unique opportunity to address these long-standing challenges. With fewer children entering the system, it becomes more feasible to recruit and retain qualified preschool teachers and childcare providers. This period of declining enrollment provides a window for implementing meaningful changes that could significantly improve the quality and consistency of preschool education across Sweden. The government’s inquiry, alongside the other ongoing investigations, signals a potential shift towards a more sustainable and equitable preschool system, one that prioritizes the well-being of both children and educators.
