Q&A

How do I apply for a place at Engelska Förskolan Skarpnäck?

Applications to all of our preschools are made through the Stockholm City queue system. If you have questions about waiting times, parent visits, or available spaces, feel free to contact Principal Carina Nihlén at carina.nihlen@esn.se. 

All preschools follow the same selection rules: sibling priority and time in the queue. You can reach Stockholm City's contact center at 08-508 00 508. A link to the queue application form is available on their website.

How do I apply for a place at your schools?

To apply to Engelska Skolan Skarpnäck, Engelska Skolan Norr, and Engelska Skolan Novia, you must register both with the school’s own queue (via their website) and through Stockholm City’s school choice system, which is open between January 15 and February 15.
Applications to Tanto International School are made directly via the school's website.

Do I have priority at the schools if my child has attended one of your preschools?

Yes, if your child has attended one of our preschools, they will have priority for a place at Engelska Skolan Skarpnäck, Engelska Skolan Norr, and Engelska Skolan Novia.

Can I apply to your preschools and schools if I live in another municipality?

Yes, you can. You apply through Stockholm City’s queue system as usual, but it is also a good idea to contact your home municipality and inform them of your intentions. Different municipalities may have different processing procedures, and they generally appreciate early contact.

Do you offer tours or open houses?

Preschools offer individual tours by appointment with the respective principal. Our schools host open houses during the school choice period; please visit the respective school’s website for upcoming dates.

Can I, as a parent, be involved at the preschool and school?

Parent involvement is very important to us. In addition to parent meetings and development talks, you can participate in the preschool/school parent council, where representatives from different groups/classes meet with the preschool/school to discuss current topics and collaborations.

How do you work with bilingualism?

At our preschools, there is always at least one English-speaking and one Swedish-speaking educator in each group. The educators follow the "one teacher - one language" method, which supports the children’s language development. At our schools and after-school programs, students meet both English-speaking and Swedish-speaking teachers.

What are the opening hours for the preschools and after-school programs?

Both our preschools and schools follow Stockholm City’s guidelines for opening hours. Preschool opening hours are based on the care needs families report each term. Any changes to after-school care must be reported to the respective principal with at least 30 days' notice.

What are the fees for preschool and after-school care?

The fees are based on Stockholm City’s maximum fee system, and you can easily calculate the fee on their website. For more information, please visit Stockholm City's website.

How long is the waiting time for preschool places?

Waiting times vary, but you can get an update by contacting the preschool principal Carina Nihlén at carina.nihlen@esn.se. Preschools usually have places available in August when the older children start school. Once you’re in the queue, you can contact the respective preschool to get more information about waiting times based on your queue position and desired start month.

How long is the waiting time for school places?

For updated information on waiting times, please contact the respective school.

How are preschool enrollments organized?

Once you accept a place offer, one of our educators will contact you. The enrollment process usually lasts for two weeks, starting with shorter visits where parents are present. The time is gradually increased, and by the end of the first week, the child may stay at preschool on their own. We always base the process on the child's best interests, and we aim for flexibility to continue the enrollment process in week two if needed. You will agree on the details with the educator to ensure the best experience for your child.

How is the transition from preschool to school handled?

If the child is moving from one of our preschools to our schools, we arrange several meetings before the summer so that the children can meet their new teachers, explore the new environment, and meet their new friends. These meetings take place during school hours. Children who attend our preschools but choose other schools will follow that school’s enrollment procedures.
Enrollment for children from other preschools is handled through a meeting in May, where both parents and children are welcome to meet the teachers and receive important information.

What is your approach to meals?

We ensure that our children and students have access to good and nutritious meals throughout the day at preschool, school, and after-school care. At our preschools, we serve plant-based meals three days a week, and our meal pedagogy follows the latest recommendations from the Swedish Food Agency.

What does it mean to have a health profile?

Physical and mental health and well-being are very important to us. We take various steps to ensure our children and students stay healthy through daily physical activity, yoga, healthy learning environments, good and nutritious food, safety, and study focus. Additionally, we have projects related to the Global Goals and Green Flag, such as the preschool’s focus on "Movement Joy."

Does my child need to know anything before starting preschool?

No, all children develop at their own pace!

Can I apply for a place without a personal identity number?

For all questions regarding the preschool queue, please contact Stockholm City’s contact center at 08-508 00 508. For questions about the school queues, please contact the respective unit.

I am on parental leave with a sibling at home, what hours can my child attend preschool?

According to Stockholm City’s guidelines, you are entitled to 30 hours of preschool per week. These hours can be distributed over 4 or 5 days, with drop-off between 8-9 AM and pick-up between 2-4 PM. For the full guidelines, please refer to Stockholm City’s website.