Exploring Out-of-School Hours Care in Iceland: Embracing Diversity, Freedom, and Fun

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Fun Facts about Iceland:

- Icelanders have a unique sense of humor, often making jokes about their lack of trees and unpredictable weather.

- Iceland is known for its delicious hot dogs.

- The country experiences about 350 earthquakes every week.

- Iceland has the most Nobel prizes per capita.

- The population of Iceland is approximately 370,000.

- The Icelandic language has some interesting sayings rooted in Norse mythology.

- Crime rates in Iceland are exceptionally low, with only one murder every two years.

- Iceland has only one main road, known as Route 1.

- The volcanic eruption in 2010 led to the closure of air traffic across Europe.

- Rhubarb plants can be found in almost every Icelandic household.

Introduction:

Iceland, a land of fire and ice, offers much more than its breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. It's a country where warmth, friendliness, and a sense of humor thrive, even in the midst of the cold. During my visit to Iceland, I had the opportunity to explore the unique aspects of out-of-school hours care (OSHC) in the country. From their inclusive approach to embracing diversity to their emphasis on child-led play and freedom of choice, Iceland's OSHC programs provide a valuable perspective on creating a nurturing and engaging environment for children.

Child-Centric Approach and Freedom of Choice:

In Iceland, the values of community, engagement, connectedness, and love are central to their approach to education and care. These values transcend age groups, making them universal in the context of providing quality care. One striking aspect of Icelandic OSHC is their emphasis on all children. I continue to ponder, as I wander, the role of love in OSHC; the role of Professional Love. Whilst we often express love for objects and experiences, Gods and inanimat objects, it seems devoid in our work conversations, yet is critical to a sense of self and safety for children. This idea of "Professional Love" is gaining recognition, and it highlights the importance of emotional connection and affection in caregiving.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Iceland takes great pride in its history and culture of embracing diversity. Primary schools in the country offer extensive training on various aspects of diversity, including gender, culture, and sexual preference. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in their OSHC programs, which are all rainbow-certified. Staff members undergo specific training to create safe and inclusive environments for children. Rainbow streets can be found in every city and town, serving as a symbol of respect for individual rights and uniqueness. Icelandic people firmly believe that every child is a unique individual who deserves acceptance and support.

Child-Led Play and Engagement:

Play holds a significant place in Icelandic OSHC programs. Steinunn, who oversees OSHC services in Reykjavik, emphasized the importance of child-led play and the freedom it provides. Unlike constant surveillance, Icelandic OSHC programs focus on creating an environment where children feel safe and protected, allowing them to explore, engage, and have fun. The staff members actively engage with children in play activities, fostering a sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Structure and Availability of OSHC:

In Iceland, OSHC services are primarily offered as after-school care and holiday programs. The city of Reykjavik manages and funds these services, although the payment system does not cover all costs. Divided into age groups of 6-9 years and 10-12 years, the after-school care programs have an impressive attendance rate of 95-98%. The rarity of children not attending reflects the high number of working women in Iceland, as well as the relatively short distances between work and home. During the summer months, attendance in the holiday program decreases as families often choose to go on vacation. Interestingly, 10-12 year-olds in the holiday program can sign

themselves in and out, promoting independence and responsibility.

Quality Assessment and Approach to Communication:

Despite the absence of a legislative framework specifically governing OSHC, the commitment to quality is evident in the services provided. Steinunn and her colleagues assess each other's programs using a quality scale ranging from working towards to exceeding expectations. Notably, there is no communication app for parents, as the staff believes that if parents wish to see their children, they can visit the program directly. Privacy and protection of children's images are paramount, avoiding digital identification and preventing external ownership of their images.

Conclusion:

Exploring out-of-school hours care in Iceland reveals a unique approach that prioritizes love, freedom, diversity, and engagement. Icelandic OSHC programs encourage child-led play, embrace diversity through rainbow certification, and focus on meeting children's needs in nurturing environments. The country's commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces is inspiring and provides valuable insights for OSHC providers worldwide. Iceland's emphasis on community, connectedness, and love sets a strong example for the importance of these values in providing exceptional care and support to children.