Legal claim to after-school care spot is coming - 2,000 new spots - Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Guarantees Free Full-Day After-School Care by 2030
Primary school children in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will soon have a legal right to full-day after-school care. The new system, starting in 2026/27, guarantees 40 hours of weekly support, including during school holidays. Parents will no longer need to apply for this entitlement, as it becomes automatic under state law.
The state government has amended its Child Day Care Funding Act to introduce the change. The draft law now awaits approval from the state parliament. Funding will come from multiple sources: €54.5 million from the federal government, €11.7 million from the state, and matching contributions from local authorities.
The rollout will begin with first-grade pupils, expanding by one grade each year. By 2029/30, all primary school children in grades one to four will qualify. From 2030, holiday after-school care will remain free even after children finish fourth grade.
Currently, the state offers around 51,000 after-school care spots. This number will increase to 53,000 to meet rising demand. Starting in 2027, attendance records will be digitised to improve transparency and funding allocation.
The federal law ensures 40 hours of care per week, including school hours. Families needing 50 hours must apply separately to their local youth welfare office. Despite the changes, after-school and daycare services will stay free for parents.
The expansion will provide more structured support for working families across the state. By 2030, every eligible child will have access to free after-school care, including during holidays. The system aims to simplify access while ensuring sufficient capacity through increased funding and digital tracking.
