Italy boosts summer school funding as families grapple with nursery closures

The Italian Ministry of Education has earmarked €400 million for the 2024‑2026 period to expand the "Piano Scuola Estate" summer school programme, later adding an extra €300 million. Created as an emergency response to pandemic‑induced school closures, the programme now offers a wide range of extracurricular activities throughout the 12‑13 week summer break, aiming to narrow educational inequalities and support families that cannot afford private summer options.

In the town of Aprilia, the municipal daycare centre "Domenico D’Alessio" has been forced to remain closed for a second consecutive week after condensation damaged the flooring, making it unsafe for children under three. Parents say the prolonged shutdown is causing severe logistical and financial strain, criticize the lack of municipal response, and question whether partial tuition refunds will be provided.