Parents are blockading some 30 Copenhagen pre-schools today in protest against a decision by Copenhagen Council to shave DKK 47.7 million off pre-school budgets.

“Most parents understand what we are doing. And we know that things will get much worse from January if we don’t do something now,” says Nina Reffstrup of the Association of Copenhagen Parents (KFO).

Parents are frustrated that Copenhagen politicians are unable to say where DKK 47.7 million in savings will be made.

KFO fears that savings will involve layoffs among pre-school personnel.

“We are afraid that we’ll have the same conditions as in Hillerød where there are red, yellow and green days. On bad days, children can be sent home,” Reffstrup says.

Looking after their children
Parents with children in blockaded pre-schools are looking after each other’s children.

“They find the extra resources when they have to. Many see the blockades as an investment,” Reffstrup says, adding that information to parents has been extensive, with parents in each of the blockaded pre-schools having decided on action in a democratic process.