Greece reforms childcare rules to increase nursery capacity

preschool education childcare centers age limit changes social cohesion Greece policy

The Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, has issued a new Joint Ministerial Decision to reform the operation of infant and nursery centers. A primary change is the reduction of the age limit for transitioning from infant centers to nursery centers, which will now occur at 2 years of age instead of the previous 2.5 years.

This adjustment aims to increase available childcare slots, particularly for infants, by allowing for better utilization of existing infrastructure. The new framework also modifies capacity rules, space specifications, and staffing regulations. To address high demand in densely populated urban areas, centers in Attica and Thessaloniki are permitted to enroll up to 15% more children than their approved capacity, compared to the standard 10% limit applied elsewhere.

Minister Domna Michailidou stated that the changes were developed following consultations with parents and childcare representatives to meet family needs without compromising safety or care standards.

Entities

Attica · Domna Michailidou · Maria Eleni Soukouli-Viliali · Ministry of Environment and Energy · Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family · Thessaloniki

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The age limit for transitioning from nursery to kindergarten has been changed from 2.5 years to 2 years. www.insider.gr · myportal.gr · www.iatronet.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Minister of Social Cohesion and Family stated that families require more positions in nursery schools. www.insider.gr · myportal.gr · www.iatronet.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] In Attica and Thessaloniki, childcare units can enroll up to 15% more children than their approved capacity. www.insider.gr · myportal.gr · www.iatronet.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The general limit for enrollment above approved capacity is 10%. www.insider.gr · myportal.gr · www.iatronet.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Nursery schools will host children from 2 months to 2 years of age. www.insider.gr · myportal.gr · www.iatronet.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Kindergartens will host children from 2 years of age until the age of compulsory education. www.insider.gr · myportal.gr · www.iatronet.gr