Norway school audits reveal widespread police certificate failures

Audits conducted by the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (Udir) and the County Governors have revealed widespread failures to comply with mandatory police certificate requirements for school and after-school care (SFO) staff.

The inspections found regulatory breaches in 83 percent of the 92 municipalities investigated, while 52 percent of the 258 private schools audited also failed to meet the requirements. These certificates are intended to protect children and young people from individuals convicted of serious offenses, including violence, threats, or sexual abuse.

Marianne Granlund, department director at Udir, described the findings as “concerning” and noted that previous information had already suggested that routines were not being strictly followed. School owners are now expected to tighten their procedures regarding the verification of these certificates before employment.