Dear colleagues,
We would like to draw your attention to UiO’s proposal to discontinue its kindergarten services, including Universitetets barnehage (the University Kindergarten), with closure planned for July 2027.
On 14 October, parents and kindergarten employees were informed that UiO’s management recommends ending the University’s financial support for these services. The proposal is expected to be considered by the University Board on 1 December 2026.
The proposal follows a 2023 amendment to the Kindergarten Act, which means that UiO, as a state institution, can no longer operate a kindergarten as an integrated part of its activities. Continued operation would therefore require a different legal and organisational model, such as an independent limited company. The University Board approved this separation in principle in May 2024, but it has not yet been implemented.
UiO has stated that continued operation would require substantial annual financial support, but the calculations behind this estimate have not been made available. While we recognise that UiO must consider its legal obligations and financial priorities carefully, we believe that a decision to close the kindergartens should not be made before all viable alternatives and consequences have been thoroughly assessed.
UiO’s kindergartens provide value far beyond their direct operating costs. They help employees and students balance work, research, studies and family life; support the recruitment and retention of international staff and early-career researchers; and contribute to an inclusive, family-friendly university environment. Closure would also have significant consequences for the children, families and employees directly affected.
In response, a group of parents has prepared a petition calling on the University Board to withdraw or postpone the closure proposal until UiO has:
- Meaningfully consulted parents, employees, kindergarten staff and employee organisations.
- Conducted an open and comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts.
- Reassessed the proposed separation into an independent company, alongside other legally compliant operating models.
- Provided a transparent financial analysis comparing the costs of continued operation, restructuring and closure.
- Established appropriate transition arrangements for affected children, families and employees.
We invite all UiO employees to support this request to read and sign the petition by 20.11:
https://nettskjema.no/a/petition
The petition and signatures will be submitted to the University Board well ahead of the Board meeting on 1 December.
Please also share this information with colleagues who may be affected or who support maintaining accessible, high-quality kindergarten services at UiO.
Thank you for your support and engagement.
Kind regards,
Parents of children attending Universitetets barnehage