All -day care in Bavaria: Millions of children demand more places!

All -day care in Bavaria: Millions of children demand more places!

in the elementary school in Berg am Laim is very busy today at 3 p.m. Over 450 of the 600 children are employed here, enjoying a diverse afternoon offer. It is particularly striking that 90 percent of the first graders take advantage of afternoon care. Headmaster Michael Hoderlein is pleased about the increasing interest in the all-day concept, which has increasingly established itself in recent years. According to BR now use around 60 percent of primary school children in Bavaria, with a small exception in the school years 2020-2021.

Over 1.8 million elementary school students are already part of an afternoon offer in Germany, which is over 50 percent of the students. From the school year 2026/2027, all parents will have a legal claim to all -day places at primary schools in Germany, which is gradually introduced. This initially applies to the first graders and will be extended to all elementary school students by 2030.

a new chapter in the care landscape

The Bavarian Ministry of Social Affairs has announced that the legal entitlement to all -day care is covered by various offers. This ranges from classic lessons to innovative care models. The change from privately organized lunch care to more offers that are carried out directly by teachers or teachers is an important trend. However, this change is accompanied by challenges such as lack of personnel and inadequate premises. Simone Fleischmann, the chairwoman of the Bavarian Teachers' Association, expresses concerns about cuts in the quality of education.

According to a forecast study from 2023, 67 percent of families in Bavaria already want a full-time place for their children. Experts expect the need to increase up to 80 percent if the legal entitlement comes into force. These developments aim to close an important care gap that many families experience after the daycare period.

The meaning of rhythmization

A central aspect for quality in all -day operation is the rhythmization of the offers. This includes the change between phases of concentration and relaxation as well as movement and rest times. Teachers: Inside and educators: Inside, often work on the team to meet the individual support needs of the children. An approach that can be implemented particularly well at bound all-day schools, such as an analysis of the German school portals

In addition, the Federal Council is expected to contribute to the expansion of all -day care to improve opportunities for children with the investment of up to 3.5 billion euros. This also includes considerations for the reconciliation of work and family. From 2026, a support range of up to eight hours should be possible on all working days, which also takes into account vacation times.

Overall, the signs are good that all -day care in Bavaria will develop and thus meet the needs of many families. The challenges should not be underestimated, but with good will and a targeted strategy, the educational landscape in Bavaria could be significantly improved in the coming years.