Hanau secures after-school care contracts ahead of 2026 legal mandate
Hanau has signed new contracts for after-school care across all 16 of its municipal primary schools. The move prepares the city for the nationwide legal right to full-day childcare, set to begin in the 2026/27 school year. Mayor Dr. Maximilian Bieri backs the initiative, calling for proper funding to support local efforts. Three established organisations will run the services. The Workers' Samaritan Federation takes charge at eight schools, while Kaleidoskop e. V. manages five and the Kathinka Platzhoff Foundation three. Each contract covers school years up to 2029/30, with options to extend twice by two years.
The city council and all 16 school councils approved the providers. The contracts aim to fill childcare gaps, improve work-life balance for parents, and boost educational chances for children. Yet, the legal right to all-day care brings challenges for local authorities, particularly around funding. Hanau is pushing for full federal funding and extra state support. The call aligns with a resolution from the German Association of Cities and Towns, which highlights financial pressures on municipalities. In North Rhine-Westphalia alone, 15 cities face legal disputes over funding, showing wider planning difficulties.
The contracts secure after-school care in Hanau until at least 2030. They address family needs while preparing for the upcoming legal requirement. However, the city's push for funding reflects broader concerns about how local authorities will meet the new demands.
