Schleswig-Holstein Plans Additional 250 Million Euros for All-Day Schooling

Schleswig-Holstein’s Education Minister, Dorit Stenke, has announced a significant financial boost to expand all-day care in primary schools across the state. The government plans to allocate an additional 250 million euros, bringing the total investment package for school infrastructure to 716 million euros, described as the largest in the state's history. This funding aims to support the new legal entitlement to eight hours of daily care for first graders starting in the 2026/2027 school year. The state covers 85 percent of investment costs and 75 percent of running costs after parental contributions. A commitment authorization is scheduled for passage in the state parliament in May via the second supplementary budget, enabling the processing of pending grant applications. Currently, 201 applications totaling 185.7 million euros have been approved, while 422 applications worth 683 million euros remain under review. Minister Stenke emphasized that this move sends a crucial signal to local school authorities, although she noted that not all applications meet eligibility criteria regarding designated full-day use. The initiative underscores the state's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and supporting working families through expanded childcare options.