Leisure-time centre

Leisure-time centres (fritidshem) are educational group facilities, operating during the times of the day and year when schools are closed for enrolled children whose parents are working or studying or for children who are in need of the facilities. Generally leisure-time centres are integrated within schools. Leisure-time centres are aimed at children from the age of 6 up to 12 years old that attend preschool class or compulsory school. The leisure-time center should stimulate the pupils’ development, deepen their knowledge and experience and contribute to a meaningful leisure time and social community. The education should take into account the pupils' needs, interests and experiences and should also be adapted to their different conditions. In the leisure-time centre pupils have the opportunity to practice democracy, influence and responsibility. Play, movement and creative activities are important. Municipalities may charge a fee for the leisure-time centre.

According to the statistics database of the Swedish National Agency for Education, in 2019, there were 4 446 leisure-time centres in Sweden, 3 731 were run by municipalities.

Open Preschool

The open preschool (öppen förskola) is intended for children who do not participate in other forms of preschool (förskola). Parents and child minders come along to the open preschool with their children whenever they wish. Children are given the opportunity to participate in pedagogical group activities, often under the supervision of a preschool teacher. The focus of open preschool varies and sometimes its activities are part of social support for the children and/or their families. The adults participating in open preschool activities are given the opportunity to be a part of a social community. The children and adults are not enrolled in the open preschool, participation is volountary and flexible.

According to the statistics database of the Swedish National Agency for Education, in 2019, there were 501 open preschools in Sweden, with 94 % run by municipalities. Open preschools are more common in large cities and metropolitan areas.

Care at uncomfortable times

According to the Education Act (Skollagen SFS 2010:800) the municipality should offer care for children during the times that preschool or leisure-time centres isn’t offered and it should be offered to the extent that is needed based on the parents work and the family situation in general. Care at uncomfortable times means during weekends and/or weekdays between 19.00 in the evening and 06.00 in the morning.

According to the statistics database of the Swedish National Agency for Education, in 2019, 4 839 children were enrolled in care at uncomfortable times. A majority of the children enrolled in care at uncomfortable times attend care run by municipalities.