Included After School – After-school programs as an arena for inclusion and collaboration

Status: Aktiv
Start: 30.11.2025
Slutt: 29.11.2029
Finansiering: Norges forskningsråd

Prosjektbeskrivelse

Our interdisciplinary study investigates the potential of the after-school program (ASP) as an arena for interventions targeting the inclusion of all children, with a particular focus on vulnerable children. In Norway, 77% of children between the age of 5 and 9 spend 12-20 hours in the ASP each week. The ASP is organized as a part of the school and is also specifically included in government strategies and legislation related to the inclusion of all children regardless of their abilities and needs. However, in practice, studies show that ASP is often neglected as an arena for interdisciplinary and inter-sectorial collaboration aimed at the inclusion of children physically, socially, and academically (Nilsen, 2017). Moreover, unlike schools, ASP are not required to hire professional staff with pedagogical or health competence, nor to adhere to a specific norm for pupil-to-staff ratio. In the present study, we aim to investigate how ASP can be removed from the blind zone and emerge as an effective and qualified arena for inclusion and collaboration across disciplines and public services. Through an interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration, a team of Norwegian and international researchers, public schools and school-related healthcare services in two municipalities will work together to provide new knowledge. The present study is composed of five scientific work packages investigating different strategies for inclusion, and one work package ensuring effective collaboration between researchers and partners, as well as a smooth flow of knowledge integrated into practice and new research.