Polish Ministry of Education bans mandatory kindergarten supply purchases

The Polish Ministry of Education (MEN) clarified that requiring parents to buy items such as crayons, scissors, or other classroom materials for kindergarten is illegal. Under the Education Law, the institution’s managing authority is responsible for providing equipment and teaching aids, and cannot impose compulsory fees on families. Only voluntary contributions, such as for slippers or hygiene wipes, are permissible. Mandatory charges may be limited to fees for extra hours of care beyond the free entitlement and for meals. The ministry warned that directors who attempt to enforce such purchases or collect additional contributions are acting outside the law.

Parents are advised to verify that any requested payments are either voluntary or fall within the legally allowed categories, and to report illegal demands to the appropriate education authorities.