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Official figures from UDIR · Updated 04 Jun 2026

SFO and AKS — the complete after-school-programme guide for parents

What is SFO/AKS?

The after-school programme — known as SFO (Skolefritidsordningen) in most municipalities and AKS (Aktivitetsskolen) in Oslo — is a voluntary offering for pupils in years 1–4 outside school hours. The idea is to give the child a safe place to be before and after school, with play, a meal, and structured activity.

SFO is not part of ordinary compulsory education, but its framework is regulated in Chapter 13 of the Education Act and in UDIR's national framework plan for SFO. Every municipality must provide the service. Content, opening hours, and prices vary considerably between municipalities and even between individual schools.

Free SFO for years 1–2

In 2022 the government introduced 12 hours per week of free SFO for year 1 pupils, extended to year 2 in 2023. For many parents this covers roughly half of a full place. If you need more — say a full day — you pay for the hours beyond the 12 free ones.

The rules apply in every municipality, but there is still variation in how the 12 free hours are distributed. Some municipalities offer a free full place on shorter days; others give a fixed number of free hours and charge for the rest. Check your municipality's SFO regulations for the exact split — in Oslo this is delivered as AKS, and each school (such as Ris skole) has its own AKS page with opening hours and an activity plan.

Prices for years 3–4

For years 3–4 parents pay the full SFO price. The price varies a lot: from around 1,500 to more than 4,000 NOK per month depending on the municipality and whether you have a full or reduced place. Every municipality must offer income-graded fees, so families on low incomes pay less. Some municipalities also operate an absolute income ceiling (free SFO for families below a certain income level).

Don't forget the sibling discount either — typically 25–50% off for the second child and beyond.

Application deadlines

Most municipalities have a main application deadline in April or May for the following school year. Some run rolling admissions year-round. Applications are usually handled through the municipality's digital portal. Make sure you:

  • Sign the child up at the same time the school place is confirmed
  • State the requested number of hours/days (full place vs. reduced place)
  • Attach income documentation if you are applying for reduced fees

If you miss the deadline, you risk a wait when the start of school approaches.

Discounts and sibling rebates

Every municipality must offer:

  • Income-graded parental fees — payment based on household income
  • Sibling rebate — a discount for child number 2, 3, etc.
  • Free place for children from families on particularly low incomes (varies)

If your income changes from low to high during the year, you must report it. The same applies the other way.

Content and pedagogical framework

SFO has no national curriculum, but every municipality must have a local framework plan. Typical activities include:

  • Outdoor time and free play
  • Creative activity (drawing, building, role-play)
  • Physical activity (gym, ball games)
  • Homework time (varies — many municipalities have removed it)
  • Homework help (a separate scheme, sometimes outside SFO hours)

A meal is usually included — either packed lunch or a simple warm option. The food cost is often charged on top of the place fee.

Transition from kindergarten

Many children find the transition from kindergarten to school + SFO demanding. The day gets longer and the structure changes. Tips:

  • Talk to the form teacher and the SFO leader if your child needs extra follow-up in the first weeks
  • Invite classmates over early — social relationships help
  • Be patient — many children need 6–8 weeks to settle in

See also our articles on the kindergarten-to-school transition and preparing your child for the start of school for more on how to make the early period easier.

Frequently asked questions

Do we have to use SFO or AKS? No. SFO and AKS are voluntary. Many parents only use the 12 free hours per week for years 1–2 and pick the child up straight after school the rest of the week. Enrolment usually requires an active application — you do not get a place automatically.

Can we combine SFO with sports clubs or other after-school activities? Yes. Remember that transitions between SFO and an outside activity should be planned, especially for the youngest children. Many clubs use a pickup tag, organised walking groups, or coordinate directly with the school so the child arrives safely.

What happens during school holidays? Most SFO schemes have their own holiday programmes for summer, autumn half-term, and winter half-term. Some days are planning days with no offering — check your municipality's SFO calendar. A full place usually includes holiday days, while a part-time place may require you to register and pay extra for holiday weeks.

Can we cancel the SFO place mid-year? Yes. The notice period is usually one calendar month, counted from the following month. The exact rules are in your municipality's by-laws, so check them before you send in notice.

What are SFO and AKS opening hours? Typically 07:30 to 17:00, but they vary between schools and municipalities. Check the school's own information — some offer morning opening before school starts, others do not.

What does SFO cost in years 3–4? The price varies a lot between municipalities — from around 1,500 to more than 4,000 NOK per month for a full place. Every municipality must offer income-graded fees, and some offer free SFO for families on particularly low incomes. The sibling discount is typically 25–50% off from the second child onwards.