One of the main features of the Nordic Welfare Model is the strong emphasis on social equality with ambitious public welfare arrangements, including family policies, kindergarten, public health and the educational system. Despite of this, the educational system is still struggling to meet the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable children and youths. The Nordic countries are associated with a high degree of public trust in the state as educational and welfare provider, but under increased pressure internally and externally. The aim of the paper is to highlight tensions and contradictions in national policy to promote social inequality for children in Norway, Sweden and Finland. The analysis is based on policy documents and organizational analysis, and theoretically informed by neo institutional theory. Leader School Team 2 Teacher 7th grade School 2 Children's interview 9 Department manager Leader Children's wellfare services Area 3 2 Teacher 6th grade School 2 Children's interview 10