Reggio Emilia launches 'Scuole aperte' pilot for 731 primary pupils

The municipality of Reggio Emilia began a two‑week pilot of the regional "Scuole aperte" programme on 31 August, offering free extra‑curricular activities to primary‑school children. Fifteen schools will host 731 participants, including 59 children with disabilities, in small groups of 15 with dedicated educators.

Families were contacted to confirm enrolment, and the pilot serves as a test before the regular 2026/27 school calendar. While most places were filled, a waiting list remains – 190 children for the first week and 294 for the second – and a few schools reached capacity. The initiative aims to assess strengths and weaknesses before the measure becomes permanent.

The project is overseen by the municipal education assessor Marwa Mahmoud and the regional school coordinator Daniele Ara, who highlighted the effort to reconcile families' work‑life schedules during the summer break.