Discussion on Holiday Arrangements, Mattress Purchases, and Financial Enhancements Among Countries
Germany is set to implement full-day care for primary school children during school holidays, starting from the school year 2026/2027. Primary school children in grades one to four will have a legal claim to full-day care on weekdays for up to eight hours [1].
This decision, based on Document 208/25, a resolution by the Federal Council, aims to provide families with reliable care options beyond regular school hours, including holiday periods [2].
Municipalities and Employers Working Together
Municipalities, such as Stuttgart, are developing frameworks like the "Daycare for All" program to support extended daycare that meets the needs of families [2]. Employers can also contribute by offering childcare support, which may include on-site corporate kindergartens or financial subsidies for external childcare [1]. These services are often tax-exempt and can be integrated into payroll systems for easy administration [1].
The availability of reliable full-day holiday care can alleviate the need for taking unpaid leave or using childcare leave allowances, which are limited in Germany (up to 15 child sick days per year per child) [1].
Implications for Municipalities
Municipalities need to actively plan and fund holiday care services, often requiring participatory processes involving stakeholders to tailor programs effectively [2]. Funding and managing inclusive, quality daycare centers on a year-round basis demands additional resources and coordination [2]. Pilot programs and evaluations, such as Stuttgart’s ongoing "Daycare for All" guideline testing, help refine the approach to meet community needs [2].
Implications for Working Parents
Access to holiday full-day care enables parents to reconcile work and family responsibilities more effectively during school breaks [1]. Employer support, combined with municipal care options, provides flexible solutions but may sometimes require cost sharing with the parent [1].
The Circular Economy for Mattresses
In a separate initiative, the Federal Council has also voted in favor of introducing a circular economy for mattresses. The current practice of burning disposed mattresses will be replaced, with approximately eight million mattresses being recycled each year [1]. This practice is already in place in France and the Benelux countries.
Financial Considerations
If the economy is not eased in these economically challenging times, it is considered a financial policy capitulation of public budgets across the board [1]. The states and municipalities are expected to bear two-thirds of the expected tax losses of 30 billion euros from this program [1].
The FDP faction leader Hans-Ulrich Rülke has called on the states to approve the "investment booster," while the IHK Region Stuttgart has welcomed the decision of the Federal Council [1]. Holiday offers from youth work are expected to cover the legal claim for full-day care during school holidays [1].
The lack of care options is a reason for many employees to work part-time and extensively, according to CEO Susanne Herre of IHK Region Stuttgart [1].
In conclusion, implementing full-day holiday care in Germany requires coordination between municipalities, employers, and families. It has positive social implications by supporting children’s development and helping working parents maintain employment continuity throughout school holidays. However, it also entails financial and administrative commitments from municipalities and employers alike [1][2].
- The decision for full-day care during school holidays in Germany, starting from the school year 2026/2027, aligns with the education-and-self-development policy and legislation, as it aims to promote learning and growth for primary school children.
- As part of the policy implementation, municipalities like Stuttgart are developing programs such as "Daycare for All" to manage holiday care services, illustrating their roles in policy-and-legislation execution.
- Parents, employers, and municipalities working together can create a more balanced environment for working parents, as the availability of reliable holiday full-day care encourages effective reconciliation of work and family responsibilities, benefiting the general-news agenda focused on work-life balance.
