For over a decade, we have seen the consequences of a failed school reform. The national well-being surveys - most recently confirmed in the Well-being Commission’s new, large report - unfortunately show a downward trend.

Locally in Herning, we see many students who are too exhausted to participate in community activities after school.

The question is: Have our children lost the right to just be children?

After persistent criticism, it now seems that the message has gotten through at Christiansborg. The new primary school agreement, which is now being rolled out, is a much-needed change of course away from rigid requirements and unnecessarily long school days.

This is a chance we must seize. Shorter school days and more freedom for the individual school can give our children back the energy they need to thrive, learn, and actively participate in Herning’s strong association life - a cornerstone of our local community.

As chairman of the Council of School Boards in Herning Municipality, I know that the best solutions are found locally. But good intentions are not enough. The new freedom requires that we locally secure the resources to strengthen professionalism and provide further training for our skilled teachers and pedagogues.

Our task here in Herning will be to ensure that the reform becomes a success. We now have the chance to create a primary school where well-being and professionalism go hand in hand. We must seize this opportunity - and I am ready to take my share of the responsibility.

This reader’s letter has been translated from Danish.