A New Era for School Holiday Support: Draft Law Aims to Strengthen Vacation Offers in Full-Day Childcare
Berlin, Germany – July 30, 2025 – A significant legislative initiative has been introduced today, with the German Bundestag publishing a draft law aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of holiday programs within full-day childcare for primary school-aged children. Designated as Drucksache 21/1086, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Eighth Book of the Social Code (SGB VIII), which governs child and youth welfare, by introducing a legal entitlement to fulfilling vacation offers.
This proposed amendment, published at 10:00 AM, signals a proactive approach by the German government to address the evolving needs of families and ensure that children in full-day care are provided with enriching and supportive experiences during school holidays. The current landscape of childcare in Germany, particularly within the framework of Ganztagsbetreuung (full-day care), is increasingly being recognized as a crucial support system for working parents and a vital environment for children’s development.
The core objective of this draft law is to establish a clear legal right to vacation provisions that are not only available but also genuinely fulfilling for primary school-aged children. This suggests a focus on the quality and content of these programs, moving beyond mere supervision to encompass activities that promote learning, social interaction, creativity, and overall well-being. The term “rechtsanspruchserfüllende” (legally entitled and fulfilling) emphasizes the expectation that these offerings will meet a certain standard of quality and benefit.
While the full details of the proposed amendments will be subject to parliamentary debate and potential revisions, the introduction of this draft law indicates a growing recognition of the importance of consistent support for children throughout the year, including during periods when regular school is not in session. This is particularly relevant for families who rely on full-day childcare and may face challenges in finding suitable and engaging activities for their children during school breaks.
The government’s move to enshrine this entitlement in law signifies a commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their family’s circumstances, have access to beneficial and enjoyable holiday experiences. This could have a far-reaching impact on the childcare sector, potentially leading to increased investment in staff training, curriculum development, and the creation of innovative holiday programs.
Further discussions are anticipated as the draft law moves through the legislative process. Parents, educators, and stakeholders in the child and youth welfare sector will be keenly observing the development of this important piece of legislation, which has the potential to significantly strengthen the support framework for primary school children and their families across Germany. The publication of Drucksache 21/1086 marks a promising step towards a more comprehensive and child-centered approach to childcare.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
Drucksachen published ’21/1086: Gesetzentwurf Entwurf eines … Gesetzes zur Änderung des Achten Buches Sozialgesetzbuch – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe – Rechtsanspruchserfüllende Ferienangebote in der Ganztagsbetreuung von Kindern im Grundschulalter (PDF)’ at 2025-07-30 10:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.