Left Party proposes new preschool group size limits in Sweden

A significant decision-making process occurs in preschool settings, according to Nooshi Dadgostar, the leader of the Left Party, during a press conference. She criticized both the previous and current governments for prioritizing issues other than preschool education.

Traditionally, the Left Party has opposed imposing a maximum cap on group sizes in preschools. However, they are now proposing binding limits alongside criteria for adult-to-child ratios. The proposal suggests a maximum of twelve children in groups for those under three years old and a maximum of fifteen for older children. In terms of adult supervision, the requirement would set a maximum of three children per adult for toddlers and five children per adult for the older age group.

Dadgostar highlighted that while there are high expectations placed on preschool services, a lack of resources makes it unrealistic and untrustworthy to meet these demands. She noted that over fifty percent of child groups exceed the numbers recommended by the National Agency for Education.

Additionally, the party is advocating for a “childcare lift,” akin to previous initiatives for elderly care, to enhance the quality of early childhood education services.