In the ongoing societal transition, the municipality of Boden works closely with Skellefteå, which is a few years ahead in a similar development phase. Recently, the two municipalities’ preschools met for a mutual exchange of experiences and solutions.
“We, both Boden and Skellefteå, are convinced that we must work together up here if the investments that are now being made are to be implemented in a wise way for those of us who live and work here”, says Petronella Sirkka, head of primary school in the municipality of Boden.
Cooperation within the preschool takes place partly through visits to each other’s activities, but above all by exchanging experiences. Together, managers and staff look at possible solutions and both known and not yet known scenarios. Growth in both municipalities is very fast. Challenges and opportunities are reviewed based on each municipality’s conditions and experience.
Recently, the head of the preschool with deputy heads from Skellefteå visited the municipality of Boden. The entire group of principals from Boden’s municipal preschools, politicians, quality managers and trade union representatives took part in the exchange.
“I am so grateful for our great collegial cooperation between the municipalities. It is very rewarding, interesting and instructive to gain more knowledge about Skellefteå’s organization in the Preschool Department”, says Petronella Sirkka.
Some of the takeaways from the workshop for the participants from Boden included
- The organization is based on the two pillars – development and conditions.
- Invest in quality analysts for facts on which to base decisions.
- Larger school districts to allow for growth in the area.
- Make visible who is responsible for what.
- Build understanding for each other.
- Communicating vessels.
- Proof sheet.
- Capacity assessment.
- Conditions of child groups.
- Capacity Competence and Quality.
They also agreed that one of the biggest challenges in a transforming society, with the rapid growth that is happening here right now, is the turnover of staff and many new employees.
A well-structured on-boarding for new and existing employees is essential in the rapid growth that the municipality of Boden is facing.
A number of efforts have already been made in early childhood education in Boden to respond to the ongoing societal transition. Among other things, they work in teams to develop common materials for the entire preschool in Boden.
Three initiatives have been taken on the staff side to increase qualifications .
“We have increased the number of nursery units in all the nurseries we build. We are also reviewing the management organization and have started to make larger areas with principals and deputy principals, areas that can be expanded with more deputies. We are also looking at the different roles that need to exist in our organizations”, Petronella continues.
A major advantage in a growing municipality with expected increased immigration, largely international, is Boden’s background as a reception site for the Swedish Migration Agency. The habit of welcoming children from many different countries and cultures exists in early childhood education, schools and associations.
Find out more about our schools and kindergartens and local life in general at Move to Boden.
Main photo: Mats Engfors, Fotographic
