Government optimistic about expanding capacity for legal claim to all-day school - Germany to Guarantee Full-Day Childcare for Primary Students by 2026
Germany is set to introduce a legal right to full-day childcare for primary school pupils starting in 2026. The move follows strong demand, with 65 percent of parents nationwide expressing a preference for extended care last year. However, regional differences remain in both availability and uptake across the country.
Currently, around 1.9 million children aged 6.5 to 10.5 attend all-day schools or daycare facilities. Uptake varies significantly, with 84 percent of eligible children in eastern Germany and Hamburg using full-day care, compared to just 51 percent in western states.
The phased rollout will begin on August 1, 2026, but full implementation is not expected until the 2029/2030 academic year. By then, the government anticipates meeting nationwide demand—though some regions will face greater challenges than others.
Eastern Germany and Hamburg already have near-full coverage, while western states like North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg are projected to face a shortfall of around 264,000 places by 2029/2030. The 2025/2026 school year alone will require an additional 166,000 spots to keep pace with demand.
Authorities believe western states could eventually meet capacity if current expansion rates continue. However, the timeline for closing the gap remains uncertain.
The legal entitlement to full-day childcare will take effect in stages, with nationwide coverage targeted by 2029/2030. While some regions already meet demand, others will need significant expansion to avoid shortages. The government’s projections highlight both progress and ongoing disparities in access.
