What is this new law and what does the legal entitlement to all-day childcare mean?

The law on all-day support for children of primary school age regulates the gradual introduction of the nationwide all-day requirement from the 2026/27 school year. This means that from August 2026, all first-graders in Germany will have a legal right to an all-day place. This entitlement will be extended to the remaining primary school years in subsequent years, so that from the 2029/2030 school year, all children from first to fourth grade will be entitled to a place in all-day childcare. This also applies to holidays – schools may close for a maximum of four weeks.

Is all-day childcare compulsory?

The legal entitlement is not compulsory for families – parents can therefore decide for themselves whether their children take up the offer of all-day childcare. A basic distinction is made between open and tied all-day schools: In tied all-day schools, attendance is compulsory for at least three days with a minimum of seven hours. This is not compulsory for open all-day schools, but children should be present until at least 3 p.m. on at least three days if possible in order to ensure continuity and the ability to plan the educational work.

What is the aim of the new law?

The all-day entitlement is intended to help achieve a better work-life balance, equal participation of women and men in working life and equal living conditions. It has also been shown that children learn better in all-day schooling and therefore also benefit from all-day childcare. Children should make friends, discover and experience their world together and learn new things. This creates educational opportunities that can compensate for disadvantages.