Germany implements new legal entitlement for all-day childcare

A new legal entitlement to all-day childcare for primary school children, established by the Ganztagsförderungsgesetz (GaFöG), came into effect on August 1. In the Enzkreis region of Germany, local authorities report that school-time supervision is largely secured, with approximately 3,300 places available and gaps existing in only four municipalities.

Despite this, challenges remain regarding holiday childcare, specifically concerning daily supervision duration and closing times. Key obstacles identified include spatial constraints, a shortage of skilled workers, and financing issues. To address these, the youth welfare office plans to engage in quality dialogues with municipalities and providers to develop solutions for child welfare, inclusion, and behavioral challenges.

In educational settings like the Gymnasium der Benediktiner Schäftlarn, structured all-day models are utilized. These models include organized lunch periods, elective courses, and dedicated study times within the classroom to ensure students have immediate access to necessary materials and a stable environment.