The short answer
Swedish fritidshem complements school before and after lessons and during some holidays. A municipality must offer a place based on guardians’ work or studies, and also when a child has an individual need arising from the family situation. The service generally covers pupils until the spring of the year they turn 13; applications, schedules and fees vary locally.
Who fritids is for
The service mainly covers pupils in förskoleklass and compulsory school outside lesson time.
Need may arise from guardians’ work or studies, or from the child’s own circumstances.
For younger children, use the preschool application guide.
| In Swedish | What it means | When you use it |
|---|---|---|
| Hur ansöker jag om fritidsplats? | How do I apply for a fritids place? | |
| Vilka öppettider gäller på lovet? | Which opening hours apply during the holiday? |
Applying for a place
Applications usually go through the municipality, sometimes in the same portal as school matters.
State actual hours, travel time and the start date, then supply requested evidence.
Do not wait until term begins: planning deadlines and rules are local.
Hours, holidays and meals
Check ordinary school days, staff-planning days and each holiday period separately.
Report absences and schedule changes in the system used by the school.
Ask how breakfast, snacks, outings and spare clothing are handled.
Fees and ending a place
Municipalities set fees within the national maxtaxa framework and may request household-income details.
Report changes in income, family or care needs promptly.
The child allowance guide supports family budgeting, while SvenskaApp games create short language practice at home.
Sources
- Skolverket: right to fritidshem2026-07-20
Rules and processing times change. Check the official page for your own case before acting on anything here.
Questions people ask
- Is fritidshem free?
- Not always. The municipality may charge according to income, number of children and maxtaxa rules.
- Until what age is it offered?
- Generally until the spring term of the year the pupil turns 13.
- Does it operate during school holidays?
- Often yes for declared needs, but confirm local hours and any combined provision.
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