CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

The municipalities in Suðurnes are all family-friendly communities.


According to Icelandic law, parents are supposed to show care and respect to their child and fulfill their parenting duties in a way that best suits the child's interests and needs.


Here you will find information about children's life events, from maternity leave to secondary school education, as well as information about children's sports and leisure activities.

HAVING A CHILD

  • What is maternity care?

    Maternity care is available to all expectant mothers/parents and is free of charge.


    Maternity care is provided in health centers by midwives and in some cases by family doctors. Obstetricians are consulted if necessary.



    The aim of the healthcare's maternal care is to:

    • Promote maternal and child health
    • Provide professional care, support, and advice
    • Identify risk factors and respond to them
    • Provide education about pregnancy and childbirth

    Information about maternity care can be found on Heilsuvera's website and the website of the Development Center of Icelandic Health Care.



    In Suðurnes, two health centers provide maternity care.

  • Giving birth

    Most births take place in hospitals today, although the number of home births has increased greatly in recent years.


    You can familiarize yourself with the services at each location on Heilsuveru's website and choose a location that is suitable for the mother in collaboration with a midwife in maternity care.


    Information about places of birth can be found on Heilsuvera website.



    Information about births can be found on Heilsuvera website.

  • Where is information about the right to parental leave?

    A parent with more than 25% work is entitled to paid maternity leave for 6 months.


    Payments are income-related and amount to 80% of the average total salary, up to a certain income maximum.


    You can start taking parental leave up to one month before the expected date of birth.


    Information about parental leave can be found on the website Ísland.is.


    An application is made for maternity leave payments at the Icelandic Labor and Employment Agency.


    Information on the processing system and application process is available on the website of the Icelandic Labor and Employment Agency.

  • What is Infant and toddler health care?

    Infant and toddler health care  is available to all parents free of charge.


    The goal of childcare is to promote the health, well-being, and development of young children through regular health check-ups as well as support and health education for their families.


    Children's development is monitored from birth to school age, and emphasis is placed on support for the family.



    You can find more information about the protection of young and small children on the website of Heilsuvera.



    Information about the protection of young and small children in Suðurnes can be found on the websites of Heibrigðisstofnun Suðurnesja and Heilsugæsla Höfða

CHILD WELFARE

  • General information about children's welfare

    General information about children's welfare services can be found on the website Ísland.is.

  • How do you apply for welfare services for children and their families?

    Each municipality provides welfare services to children and their families.


    Residents of Voga receive welfare services in Suðurnesjabær.


    Information about welfare services can be found on the websites of the municipalities:

  • What is Integrated Services for Child Success?

    Integration of services for the benefit of a child's success is a service for those who need individualized support that requires the involvement of different systems.


    General information about children's success can be found on the special website of the Children's and Family Office entitled Children's Success.


    The municipalities are each continuing to develop services based on children's success.

  • What services are available for children with support needs?

    To check the rights of a child who needs support, it is best to contact the child's school or the welfare office in the municipality where the child lives.


    Þroskahjálp is a rights organization for people with disabilities. Various information can be found on the Þroskahjálp website.


    On the Þroskahjálp website, you can find videos about the rights of disabled people in Iceland.


    The website also contains videos about the rights of disabled children from foreign origin.

  • Are there special services for children of foreign origin?

    Children of foreign origin who do not speak Icelandic should be taught Icelandic in schools.


    Each municipality has reception programs for children of foreign origin and sometimes the schools have their own reception programs.


    Reykjanesbær


    Suðurnesjabær


    Vogar

  • What is Child Protection Services?

    Children's protection services help children and parents who have problems in ensuring the well-being and safety of children for the future.


    This is done with diverse advice, support, and professional solutions, and education.


    A child is a person under the age of 18.


    Information about child protection can be found on the websites of the municipalities:

  • When should I notify Child Protection Services of a child's bad situation?

    Everyone is obliged to report a child's unacceptable situation if neglect, violence, or risky behavior is suspected.


    It is enough to suspect that a child is in trouble or living in difficult circumstances. What to report:


    • Negligence, e.g. a child's physical and emotional needs are not met
    • Parental incapacity, e.g. due to consumption or illness
    • Violence, e.g. physical, emotional, or sexual
    • Risky behavior, e.g. consumption, delinquency, or child abuse
    • Information about violence against children and teenagers can be found on the website 112.is.

    On the website of 112.is you can have an online chat.

  • How do I make a report to Child Protection?

    If a child is in danger, call 112.


    The municipality in which the child has legal residence must be notified.


    You can either report electronically through the municipality's website or by calling the municipality.


    Information about notifications is available on the websites of the municipalities:


  • What does Child Protection Services do?

    When a report is received, child protection service experts decide whether the case will be investigated further.


    A decision is made based on the information provided in the notification.


    A decision is usually made within 7 days of the notification being received.

    ​

In-home daycares

  • General about in-home daycares

    Individuals who take care of daycare in their homes are often called in-home daycare providers.


    General information about  in-home daycare can be found on the website Ísland.is.


  • Where and how do you apply for a place at in-home daycares?

    Daycare providers work in all municipalities of Suðurnesja, except for Vogur.


    Daycare providers are self-employed and parents need to contact the providers directly to apply for a placement.


    An overview of daycare providers can be found on the websites of the municipalities.

  • How old are children when they are in-home daycare?

    Most of the children who are in daycare are in a different year, ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

  • Which in-home daycare providers work in Suðurnes?

    Information about working in-home daycare providers in each municipality can be found on the websites of the municipalities.

  • What is the arrangement of in-home daycares?

    The working hours of daycare providers are different. Most work between 8:00 and 16:00 


    It is best to contact the daycare providers themselves to get information about their working hours.


    An overview of working daycare centers can be found on the websites of the municipalities.


  • How much does it cost to have a child in a in-home daycare?

    Daycare providers present their own price lists, so the fees vary.


    All municipalities in Suðurnes subsidize in-home daycares. The municipalities have different rules for it. More information about the arrangement at each municipality website.

KINDERGARTEN SCHOOLS

  • Kindergarten in general

    The vast majority of children in Iceland study in kindergarten.


    Kindergarten is the first school level in Iceland, although it is not compulsory to have a child in kindergarten.


    In preschools, the emphasis is on creative work and play. All aspects of children's development are nurtured there, they are promoted and their interaction is stimulated.

  • What age is in kindergarten?

    Children usually enter kindergarten in their second year of age and stay until primary school.


    General information about kindergartens can be found on the Ísland.is website.

  • Which kindergartens are there in Suðurnes and where?

    There are 16 kindergarten operating in Suðurnes. The municipalities have different registration rules, and parents are encouraged to study the material further on the websites of the municipality in which they live:


    Reykjanesbær:


    Suðurnesjabær:

    Vogar:

  • What is the arrangement of kindergarten activities in Suðurnes?

    Kindergartens are mostly open from 07:45  to 16:15 and different fees are paid depending on how many hours parents apply for their child.


    The arrangements for each kindergarten's activities can be found on the kindergartens' websites.

  • When and how do you apply for a kindergarten place for children?

    The municipalities have different registration rules, and parents are encouraged to study the material further on the websites of the municipality in which they live:

  • How old does a child have to be to start kindergarten?

    New students are usually admitted in the fall. Children are then anywhere from 14 to 30 months old.

  • How much does it cost to have a child in kindergarten?

    Kindergarten fees are divided into hourly fees and meal fees.


    Kindergarten fee lists can be found on the websites of the municipalities.


PRIMARY SCHOOLS

  • General about elementary school

    In elementary school, students are prepared for life and work, so learning opportunities should be offered to suit everyone.


    Children attend a primary school that belongs to their neighborhood.


    The primary school year covers the whole winter. Starts at the end of August and ends at the beginning of June.


    General information about elementary schools can be found on the Ísland.is website. 

  • How old are children when they are in primary school?

    All children start primary school the year they turn 6 and stay there for 10 winters, or until they are 16.


    Primary school is the only compulsory school level.

  • How long are children at school each day?

    Primary schools usually start between 8 and 8:30 in the morning, the length of the school day varies depending on the age of the children.


    After-school centers are open for the youngest children in primary schools, from the end of the school day and usually until 16:15

  • When and how do I apply for primary school?

    Applications for primary school education are made on the websites of the municipalities as soon as the move has taken place, or as soon as possible.


    If it is a child who is about to start in the 1st grade, the application period for them is advertised on the websites of local authorities in the spring, of every year.


    If it is desired that a child attend a primary school other than the one belonging to the district of residence, a separate application must be made.


    More information is available on the websites of the municipalities:


  • How much does it cost to have a child in elementary school?

    There is no payment for studies in elementary school or study materials.


    Parents need to pay for school meals, after-school centers, and school trips.

  • Do children get to eat in primary schools?

    Yes, all schools are required to offer hot meals for lunch.


    Parents can therefore always buy food for their children in primary schools.

  • How do I apply for school meals?

    Most primary schools in Suðurnes get food from Skólamat.


    Information on arrangements for subscriptions and meal ticket purchases can be found on the Skólamatur website.


    Stóru-Vogaskóli in Vogur has an in-school chef and offers free food for lunch.


    Information about the arrangements at Stóru-Vogaskóli can be found on Stóru-Vogaskóli website.


  • How much does the school meal cost?

    Information about school meals and a price list can be found on the Skólamat website.

  • Which primary schools are active in Suðurnes and where?

    11 primary schools are operating in Suðurnes.


    Children go to primary schools that belong to their municipality and in the neighborhood where they have permanent residence.


    Parents are encouraged to learn more about the topic on the websites of the municipality in which they live:


    Reykjanesbær:


    Suðurnesjabær:


    Vogar:

After-school center

  • General about after-school centers in primary schools

    After-school centers operate at all primary schools in Suðurnes, where there is a program for children in 1st. - 4th. grades from the end of school until 16.15


    The main function of an after-school school is to offer children leisure activities in a child-friendly and creative environment where practices are characterized by free play and choice.


    More information can be found on the schools' websites.


    Applications are made on the websites of the municipalities.

  • Where are the after-school center?

    The after-school centers have activities in primary schools and children go to the after-school school that is connected to their primary school.

  • What is the age limit at after-school centers?

    After-school centers are available for children in the 1st - 4th grade of primary school, then they are 6-9 years old.

  • What is the organization of after-school centers?

    Activities of after-school centers may differ between schools.


    Í sumum sveitarfélögum eru börn keyrð frá frístundaskólunum í tómstundir og á íþróttaæfingar. Sækja þarf um það sérstaklega. 


    Upplýsingar um frístundaskóla er að finna á vefsíðum skólanna:


    Reykjanesbær

    Suðurnesjabær

    Vogar

  • How do you apply for a place at after-school centers?

    You can apply for a place in after-school centers on the websites of the municipalities or primary schools.

    Suðurnesjabær:


  • How much does it cost to have a child in an after-school center??

    Information on the fee list of the leisure centers can be found on the websites of the municipalities.

  • What happens if my child is supposed to be in sports or other leisure activities when recess is active?

    In some municipalities, children are driven from after-school centers to leisure and sports practices.


    You have to apply separately for recreational driving.


    It is best to contact the leisure center staff and inquire about the arrangements.


    Information about recreational driving in can be found on the municipality's website.

  • Do children get to eat at the after-school center?

    Yes, afternoon refreshments are offered in the after-school center.


    The fee for the afternoon refreshment is either included in the fee for the stay at the after-school center or added to the price.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

  • General about secondary school

    Secondary schools belong to the third level of education. The schools are variously referred to as polytechnics, secondary schools, vocational schools, or high schools.


    Studying in secondary school is not compulsory, but according to the law, education is compulsory until the age of 18. Those who have completed primary school education, have a primary school certificate, received an equivalent basic education, or have reached the age of 16 can start studying in secondary school.


    The vast majority of children continue their studies after primary school.


    Students who start their studies in secondary school are different, so the curriculum is based on offering a variety of study options.


    General information about secondary schools can be found on the website of the Directorate of Education, Ísland.is and the website of the Council of Ministers.


  • Which secondary schools are active in Suðurnes?

    Three secondary schools are operating in Suðurnes.


    There are three secondary schools operating in Suðurnes.


    Information for new students at Fjölbrautskóli Suðurnesja can be found on the school's website.


    Information for new students of Menntaskólinn á Ásbrú can be found on the school's website.



    Many young people attend secondary schools outside of Suðurnes. Some drive to Reykjavík or attend boarding schools in more rural places in Iceland.



    An overview of secondary schools in Iceland is on the website of the Dictorate of Education.

  • What programs are taught in secondary schools?

    Curriculum and learning at the secondary school level are aimed at meeting different needs by offering diverse study paths. Future secondary school students and their guardians must familiarize themselves with the school's academic offerings. Counselors and other primary and secondary school staff also provide information.


    The course offerings of secondary schools can be divided into academic studies, vocational and apprenticeship courses, art courses, and preparatory courses.


    • Academic studies generally end with a diploma, which usually takes 3 years.
    • A wide variety of vocational and apprenticeship courses are available, which either provide preparation for specific jobs or professional qualifications. In most cases, you can add to your studies and also obtain a diploma. Vocational training takes place at school and at the workplace, but to obtain a valid qualification you need to take a journeyman's exam.
    • A variety of art studies related to e.g. textiles, design, visual arts, drama, and filmmaking are available. Students usually graduate with a diploma, but other degrees are also available.
    • Preparatory studies for secondary school courses are available for students who have not achieved the required results at the end of primary school.

    Information about the course offerings of individual schools can be found on their website.


    A list of all secondary schools can be found on the website of the Directorate of Education.


    In some cases, it is necessary to meet certain requirements for academic performance in elementary school to enter a certain program within certain schools.


    Those who do not meet the necessary conditions can attend preparatory courses in secondary schools.


    Information about each school's course offerings can be found on the schools' websites.

  • What age is in the secondary schools?

    Children usually go to secondary school right after finishing primary school, which is the year they turn 16.


    The length of time a secondary school student studies varies, and it depends on whether the person does academic studies, vocational courses, or an apprenticeship.


    It is assumed that academic studies take three years, vocational studies end with registration after four years, and apprenticeships vary in length depending on the trade and the student's learning.


    Many secondary schools offer evening school programs  which are mainly intended for adult students. The schools advertise the application deadline themselves, in the fall and after the end of the year.


    Many secondary schools also offer distance learning. More information can be found on the websites of secondary schools that offer such studies.

  • When and how do you apply for secondary school studies?

    Enrollment in secondary school takes place on the website of the Directorate of Education (Menntastofnun).


    In the spring, students who are finishing the tenth grade in primary school and their guardians receive a letter from the Directorate of Education with information about enrolling in secondary school.


    Enrollment in vocational programs for students with disabilities takes place in February.


    The enrollment period for students who are finishing their studies in primary schools (at the age of 16) runs from April to June.


    Enrollment of older students takes place from March until April. In some cases, it is also possible to start studying at the beginning of the year.


    General information about the enrollment process in secondary schools can be found on the website of the Directorate of Education.


  • How much does it cost to be in secondary school?

    The cost of a semester varies, depending on schools, types of studies, and other factors.


    The tuition fees can be found on each school's website.

  • Is there a special secondary school program for students who speak little or no Icelandic?

    Students with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds have the right to be taught in Icelandic as a second language. The same applies to students who have spent long periods abroad and have little knowledge of Icelandic. Students with a different native language than Icelandic should be allowed to maintain their mother tongue as an elective, through distance learning or by other means.


    Each secondary school has a program for the reception of students of foreign origin. Parents with a mother tongue other than Icelandic and deaf parents have the option of interpreting services. The reception plan must take into account their background, language skills, and skills in other fields of study.


    The IB program is an international program at the secondary school level that is taught in English and ends with standardized exams recognized by universities around the world. It is a two-year program that is mainly intended for 16-19 year old students, but a pre-study year is also available for those who come directly from elementary school. It also takes place in English.


    In the IB program, there are either Icelanders who have lived abroad, foreign students with a residence permit in Iceland, or students who come directly from elementary school but aim to study or work on an international level.


    In Iceland, the IB program is taught at Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð.

  • Is there a special high school program for students with disabilities?

    Curriculum and learning at the secondary school level are aimed at meeting different needs by offering diverse study paths.


    In many secondary schools, there are special departments, career paths, and other educational offerings that are specifically intended for students with disabilities.


    Study advisors, teachers, and other secondary school staff must advise and guide students on study and career choices and personal issues related to their studies and schooling.


    In Suðurnes, there is a program for students with disabilities in Fjölbrautskóli Suðurnesja.


    More information about the school's career path can be found on Fjölbrautaskóli Suðurnesja website.

Music schools

  • General information about music schools in Iceland

    Music and singing schools in the country are either self-employed and run in cooperation with local authorities or entirely run by the local authorities. The schools are divided into departments.


    In music schools, studies are offered at basic, middle, secondary, and university levels. More information can be found on the schools' websites.

  • Where are music schools in Suðurnes?

    In Suðurnes, music schools are operating in all municipalities.


  • How do you apply for a music course?

    Applications for music courses are made on the websites of the music schools or the municipalities.


  • How much does it cost to have a child studying music?

    Information about the music schools' fees can be found on the websites of the schools or the municipalities.


SPORTS AND LEISUREs

  • General about children's sports and leisure

    All children are encouraged to participate in sports and/or leisure activities.


    Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the activities they would most like to be involved in.

  • What is available for children in Suðurnes?

    Availability of sports and leisure activities in Suðurnes can be found on the Frístundir website.

  • How much does it cost to have a child in sports and leisure in Suðurnes?

    Information about the cost of sports and leisure can be found on the websites of those offering the activities. You can access those websites from Frístundir website.

  • How does my child get to practice?

    Practice times are usually between 16 and 18. Children who are in the younger grades of primary school sometimes have practice before 16 during the day. There is also a recreational bus that drives children from after-school programs to practices.


    Information about  the recreational bus in Reykjanesbær can be found on the Reykjanesbær website.


    Children can also use the bus. Information on prices and route systems can be found on the Reykjanesbær website.

  • Is children's sports participation subsidized?

    Sports and leisure activities for children are subsidized in most municipalities.


EXERCISE AND CULTURE

  • General information about children's entertainment and culture

    Residents of Suðurnes are encouraged to attend events, enjoy the outdoors in the area, and engage in other recreational activities that are available.


    More about entertainment and culture can be found under the tab Activity and Culture.

  • Where are the main playgrounds for children in Suðurnes?

    Playgrounds in Suðurnes can be found on the maps of the municipalities at Reykjanesbær and Suðurnesjabær.


    Playgrounds in Reykjanesbær can be found under the tab sports and outdoor activities in the map view.


    It is common to use playgrounds on playgrounds and elementary school grounds outside of school opening hours.

  • Which culture houses can be interesting for children in Suðurnes?

    On VisitReykjanes.is there is an overview of family-friendly entertainment in Suðurnes.

    • Libraries
    • Regional museums
    • Skessuhellir
    • Knowledge Center of Suðurnes

  • Where are the libraries in Suðurnes and what can you do there?

    Libraries are the cultural centers of society. It is possible to visit and read books, rent books, and take them home.


    The libraries of Suðurnes have various events going on throughout the year.


    Many libraries have special reading rooms and meeting rooms that can be used for studying.

    Residents are encouraged to follow the libraries' websites and their Facebook pages.

  • When are the libraries open and how much does it cost?

    Information about opening hours, events, and lending rules can be found on the libraries' websites.



  • Where are the swimming pools in Suðurnes?

    There are six public swimming pools in Suðurnes.


    Residents are encouraged to go swimming. It's both fun and good for everyone.


    Information about the swimming pools can be found on the websites of the municipalities.

    Most pools also have a Facebook page.

CHILDREN'S OUTDOOR TIME

  • What are the rules for outsourcing children in Iceland?

    The Child Protection Act contains a provision for children's outdoor time. The outdoor time is issued in the guise of protection and prevention.


    During school days from the 1st of September to the 1st of May:

    • Children aged 12 and under may not be outside after 20:00 unless accompanied by an adult.
    • Children aged 13 - 16 may not be outside after 22:00 unless accompanied by an adult.

    During summer time from 1st of May to 1st of  September:

    • Children aged 12 and under may not be outside after 22:00 unless accompanied by an adult.
    • Children aged 13 - 16 may not be outside after 24:00 unless accompanied by an adult.

    The age limit for this provision is based on the year of birth and not the date of birth.

parent associations

  • General information about parent associations

    Parent Association is an association of parents that works on various matters related to the school and its students. The association includes all parents who have children in the respective school. It is not necessary to apply separately to be a member, but you can apply to be on the board of the parents' association at its general meeting.


    It is important to maintain good communication between homes and schools.


    Heimili og skóli is a national association of parents and all parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their activities.


    More information can be found on the Heimili og skóli website.

  • Kindergartens

    Parent associations in preschools protect the interests and well-being of the children and promote increased cooperation between parents and preschool staff.


    Examples of projects that parent associations in their preschools are:

    • Throw festivals and school parties.
    • Hold an educational lecture.
    • Participate in the costs requested by the kindergarten.
    • Support school work.

    ​

  • Primary schools

    Every elementary school must have a parent association according to the law. It is the principal's responsibility to ensure that this is the case and that the association receives the necessary assistance.


    The role of the parents association includes the following:

    • To support the school work.
    • Contribute to the welfare of the school's students.
    • Strengthen the relationship between home and school.
    • Encourage the active participation of parents in school work.
    • Advocacy and supervision of the school work.

  • Secondary schools

    Secondary school parents' councils are considered an important link between the school and the guardians of minor students.


    The goals of parents' councils are:

    • To be a forum for consultation and collaboration between parents and guardians.
    • To contribute to the increased awareness of parents and guardians about their custodial duties and their knowledge of their rights and responsibilities and those of their children.
    • To encourage increased support, restraint, and encouragement of parents and guardians for their children and their studies.
    • To establish and ensure strong and good cooperation between parents and guardians, students, and school staff.

Working school

  • General about working school

    The work school is generally the first job for young people and the emphasis is on an educational, fun and creative working environment. Young people have the opportunity to form new relationships, as well as gain experience in interpersonal relationships and respect for their environment.

  • At what age can children go to working school?

    All primary school students from 8th - 10th grade can apply for a summer job at the working school.


    In Vogar, the first-year secondary school students can apply for a summer job at the working school.

    ​

  • What do children get paid in the working school?

    The wages and working hours of young people differ depending on their age. Information about wages and working hours at the working school can be found on the municipalities website.

  • How can my child apply for working school

    Applications for the work school are received electronically. Children apply in the municipality that they have legal residence in. You can apply here:

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