All-day school and after-school care

In short: All-day schools offer care, lunch and often leisure activities beyond regular lessons, into the late afternoon. The after-school club is an additional care facility, usually for primary school children.

In more detail: Since 2026 a legal entitlement to all-day care for primary school children has been gradually introduced in Germany.

In detail

• Compulsory all-day school: Lessons and care are spread throughout the day, participation is usually mandatory.
• Open all-day school: Afternoon activities are voluntary, in addition to regular morning lessons.
• After-school club: A separate facility, often municipally organised, with homework supervision and leisure activities.
• Advantages: Eases combining family and work, offers additional support and social contacts.
• Costs: Parental contributions are tiered differently depending on the offer and federal state.
• Quality: Staffing and room size significantly affect the quality of care.
• Registration: Usually done directly with the school or the operator of the after-school club, often with limited places (hausaufgaben-sinn-und-grenzen).