In Denmark, we have a rich community life with numerous recreational activities for both children and adults, frequently managed by volunteers. Danish children also attend daycare institutions from an early age, such as nurseries and kindergartens, before they begin school.
This is partly because in Denmark, we have placed great emphasis on making it easier for parents to work or study and lead active lives outside the home, while ensuring that children receive the care, play, and education they need.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the options available to parents in Denmark regarding institutions, schools, and extracurricular activities.
Institutions
The vast majority of children in Denmark start attending nursery or daycare when they are around 1 year old. Later, at about age 3, they begin in kindergarden.
Nursery and kindergarden are not just about providing children a place to stay while their parents go to work; they also offer young children the opportunity to interact with peers and develop their social and personal skills. Therefore, nursery and kindergarden are beneficial for both children and adults to integrate into society.
To enroll in both nursery and kindergarten, the child must reside in Denmark, and the parents must have legal residency in the country. Additionally, parents must personally register their children for both nursery and kindergarten. There is also a user fee for both services, which varies slightly from one municipality to another.
School
In Denmark, there is a mandatory 10 years of education. This means that all children must receive at least 10 years of education starting from the year they turn 6. Most children attend public school, which is free of charge, but other options are available such as private schools, independent schools, or homeschooling. Private and independent schools require tuition fees.
Public schooling in Denmark is available to all children. However, it is required that the child is registered in a Danish municipality and that their parents have legal residency in Denmark.
Read more about the Danish school- and educational system here.
Leisure activities
In addition to institutions and schools, Denmark also offers plenty of opportunities for children to participate in various extracurricular activities. Among the most popular are football, handball, swimming, gymnastics, and scouting.
Children learn quickly through play and activities, so extracurricular activities outside of school and institutions are a great way for children to learn Danish, make new friends, and join a social community. As parents, you will also meet other parents, which can make it easier for the family to settle in and integrate into the local community.
Parents in Denmark have numerous opportunities. Institutions, schools, and recreational activities provide children with a safe environment to grow up in and families with great opportunities to integrate into society. All of these are an important part of everyday life in Denmark and offer a good way for new families in the country to settle in.