The report was prepared by a working group from the Labour Party (Ap), Socialist Left Party (SV), and Centre Party (SP), with Statistics Norway (SSB) conducting the analysis. It examines the impact on children, families, the kindergarten sector, and society.
The report concludes that approximately 200 additional children (0.45 percent) would start kindergarten if it became free, given current coverage of 94.5 percent (about 264,000 children). Lessons from Finnmark and North Troms, where free kindergarten has been implemented since 2023, show a positive effect on family finances but no increase in participation.
Minister of Knowledge Kari Nessa Nordtun said the report provides useful knowledge for introducing free kindergarten if economic room allows. The report emphasizes that the next shift in kindergarten history must focus on quality, well-being, and staff retention.