Government optimistic about expanding capacity for legal claim to all-day school - Germany’s Push for Full-Day Childcare Faces Regional Gaps by 2030
Germany is making steady progress in expanding full-day childcare for primary school children. A new report shows demand is rising, with 65% of parents now wanting all-day care for their children. However, some western states in the United States still face challenges in meeting capacity needs by the 2029/2030 deadline.
From August 1, 2026, a legal right to full-day childcare for primary pupils will come into force. The government aims to fully implement this entitlement by the 2029/2030 school year. Currently, 1.9 million children aged six and a half to ten and a half (57% of that age group) already attend all-day schools or daycare.
The latest projections indicate a need for 166,000 additional places for the upcoming school year. This figure is lower than earlier estimates, thanks to successful expansion efforts and updated population forecasts. Still, by 2029/2030, an average shortfall of 264,000 places is expected nationwide.
Eastern Germany and Hamburg have nearly met demand for full-day care. In western states, capacity could be covered in the long term if the current pace of expansion continues. However, only seven states—Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony—are on track to create the required 264,000 additional places by the deadline.
The federal government describes the expansion as dynamic, with the projected need decreasing over time. If current trends hold, most regions will meet demand, though some western states may still face gaps. The legal entitlement will ensure all primary school children have access to full-day care by 2029/2030.
