A new schedule for the nursery day will take effect in autumn 2024.

Exciting changes ahead in the town's nursery education

The nursery day for children in Hafnarfjörður will undergo significant changes from 1 September 2024. This reorganisation is a response to changed circumstances and the demands of parents, staff, the business community and, last but not least, the needs of the children themselves. The structure of the nursery day will be twofold, with professional activities and free time; nursery fees will be lower in line with flexible attendance, the nursery year will be 180 days, and other days will be designated for enrolment. The reduction in attendance time is considered to have a significant and positive impact on the school's operations, and not least on the children themselves.

„We continue to take important steps towards a brighter future, towards an even more successful nursery service and an environment that is better in tune with the needs of the modern day, where professionals are at the helm.“ says Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður. „The aim of the City of Hafnarfjörður has been very clear from the start of this journey, and that is to increase the number of professionals within the nurseries with the success and well-being of children in mind and for the benefit of the nursery work. We have done this by strengthening the professional training and health of the staff, harmonise the school year and working hours for nursery and primary school staff, increase flexibility in the work through continuing professional development and a shorter working day, and create real opportunities for professional work in an ever-changing environment. All this and more in just over a year, and we are already beginning to reap the rewards. The Hafnarfjörður route is a marathon, not a sprint, and requires the cooperation and dialogue of everyone.“ says Rósa.

Mayor Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir with a group of nursery school children in Hafnarfjörður.

The nursery day is divided – a two-part structure within the day.

Structured professional activities and organised teaching take place from 9 am to 3 pm. Outside of this, there is free time and play sessions from 7:30 am to 9 am and after 3 pm.

Nursery School Calendar – Registration Days

Changes will be made to the nursery calendar. Nursery days will normally be 180 days a year, and other days will be so-called registration days. On registration days, parents and guardians must register their children for nursery school; otherwise, they will be considered to be on holiday. Children will continue to have a four-week continuous summer holiday.

Reduced nursery fees and flexible hours

Fees for stays of 30 hours or less per week will be significantly reduced, by up to 30%. Fees for a 40-hour stay per week will remain unchanged. A variable stay will be offered between days, with the only condition being a minimum stay of 4 hours per day on all weekdays. Registrations can be arranged so that the stay varies by day.

All of the City of Hafnarfjörður's initiatives in recent years, and the targeted measures since the beginning of 2023, have aimed to encourage interest among qualified professionals and attract them to the varied and vibrant roles in Hafnarfjörður's nurseries.

More about changes to the nursery day in Hafnarfjörður 

Hafnarfjörður's actions in nursery school affairs – older announcement 

The Hafnarfjörður Route – Detailed information on the working environment of nursery staff