Kristersson visited the language preschool De Syv Have in Copenhagen on Wednesday, together with Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S).
We can see that the language preschool model, in general, has had a really good result, she says at a press conference.
Frederiksen points out, among other things, that the proportion of parents in disadvantaged areas who enroll their children in preschool is increasing.
"Best in the world"
In Denmark, a requirement was introduced in 2019 that preschool children in vulnerable areas from the age of one must participate in a language learning program for 25 hours a week. A language assessment is made, and if the child does not participate, the child benefit can be withdrawn.
De Syv Have is located near Tingsbjerg, a disadvantaged area in Copenhagen. Of the preschool's children, 70 percent have a non-Danish ethnic background.
When asked if there are not problems with forcing parents to put their small children in preschool, Mette Frederiksen says.
When you have a disadvantaged area, you are forced to pressure parents to do something they do not want to do for the sake of their children.
She also states that it is not a problem since Denmark's and Sweden's preschools are the best in the world.
Ulf Kristersson is clearly inspired by the Danish model.
The important thing is that you reach the children who otherwise do not learn good Swedish at home, says Ulf Kristersson.
Similar problems
In the spring, the four Tidö parties agreed to introduce compulsory language preschool for children who need it for their language development .
A inquiry will now be given the task of proposing how a Swedish system can be designed, for example, from what age children should attend language preschool and whether sanctions should be introduced, similar to the withdrawal of child benefit as in Denmark.
You don't have to do exactly as Denmark, but we have seen in many areas now that Swedish and Danish problems are similar, and Denmark has often dared to do things that we haven't tried in Sweden, says Ulf Kristersson.
