Mandatory preschool is the wrong way to go, argues Swedish investigator

Eva Broström, a special investigator for the Swedish government, contends that introducing mandatory preschool for specific children is the wrong approach. She argues that such a policy faces significant legal and practical hurdles and raises concerns about equal treatment and potential discrimination.

Broström's investigation, focused on "Equal preschool of good quality with mandatory language preschool," found that the most pressing issue within the preschool system is its lack of equity. She emphasizes that substantial quality differences exist across the country, necessitating a comprehensive national effort to address these disparities.

"Preschool is described as a central part of the solution to many contemporary problems, while a cohesive national structure for knowledge support adapted to the activity's mission and reality is lacking," the article states, referencing Riksrevisionen's 2025 report on preschool equity. Broström believes preschool needs to be nationally recognized and valued on par with other educational levels.

Instead of mandating attendance for certain children, Broström's investigation recommends focusing on improving the overall quality and equity of the preschool system for all. The current proposal, she suggests, would fundamentally alter the nature of preschool, which has historically been a voluntary form of education.

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Preschool is described as a central part of the solution to many contemporary problems, while a cohesive national structure for knowledge support adapted to the activity's mission and reality is lacking.