Kerstin Steinvall, head of preschools at Skellefteå kommun.
Norran English previously reported on the temporary closure of Lövånger's Kobben preschool due to declining enrollment and staffing challenges. Despite strong reactions from parents and the public, the decision is final. Effective September 2, 2024, the 13 children attending Kobben will be relocated to Lövånger preschool. The decision was made by the municipality's preschool manager, Kerstin Steinvall, in consultation with the principal.
It has taken almost two months since the initial announcement - why the long delay?
– We understand there have been questions about the timeline since the initial announcement regarding Kobben preschool. We informed parents in good time that, due to a reduced number of children in the area, we were reviewing what measures would need to be taken and making a comprehensive assessment. The time taken has been used to ensure our decisions are well-founded.
Steinvall continued:
– I want to emphasize that the decision is based on the difficulty of coordinating operations in two units. Fortunately, we have Lövånger preschool, a well-functioning school with an excellent staff. Coordinating operations in one unit offers significant efficiency gains, a better working environment for the educators, and ultimately, higher quality education for the children. This ensures the children's right to equal education according to the Education Act.
The number of children in Lövånger is expected to increase. With this decision to close Kobben preschool, what does the future look like for preschools in the area?
– The transformation of society in Skellefteå makes it difficult to predict the future, says Steinvall.
– We need to focus on the here and now, where we currently are. However, putting Kobben on hold means that we can reopen it if the need arises, which I hope and believe will happen for Lövånger.
Lisa Nilsson is one of the affected parents.
– Of course, it feels bittersweet – a mix of sadness and relief that a decision has finally been made, she says.
– Back in early April, we were told the announcement would come within a week, but that was the only information we received. Since then, it's been frustrating – emails and calls to get an update went unanswered.
Lisa Nilsson is one of the affected parents. "Of course, it's sad but it's also a relief that the decision has been made," she says.
She criticizes the "very poor" communication with those affected, who received mixed messages about the problem's root cause. Initially cited as budget constraints and declining enrollment, the focus later shifted to ensuring equal education.