Full-Day Schools in Lüneburg: Implementation of the Right to Care and Challenges in March 2026

Implementation of the Right to Full-Day Care: A Milestone for Lüneburg

The right to full-day care for children in Germany, which came into effect in April 2023, has posed major challenges for many cities in recent years. In March 2026, Lüneburg decided to implement this right comprehensively at all primary schools—not only for first grade, but for all grade levels. This step marks a milestone in the city's educational and family policy.

Funding and Distribution of Funds

The financial implementation of the full-day care entitlement is one of the central aspects of planning. For 2026, a budget of 1,390,000 € is planned for the period from August to December. In 2027, a net expenditure of 1,074,900 € is expected. The city also plans to allocate a total of 2,393,600 € for the years 2026 and 2027.

Funding will come from multiple levels: state funds, municipal contributions, and school co-funding. For holiday care starting in 2027, 889,900 € is calculated to be necessary, with the city covering a co-funding share of 581,900 €. For care during the time before and after regular school hours (edge-time care), an additional 68,000 € is required, with the city having to pay 42,000 €.

The administration is working closely with the state of Lower Saxony, the schools, and other partners to conclude a framework agreement that ensures the city's financial contribution.

Pedagogical Concept and Staff Requirements

In addition to funding, the pedagogical implementation is crucial. The Hanseatic city has already developed criteria for implementation, including the care ratio and staff qualifications. The administration plans to fill four full-day coordination positions (each at 0.5 full-time equivalents) by August 2026.

The care ratios are age-dependent:

• Grades 1 + 2: 1:13
• Grades 3 + 4: 1:18

Staff planning includes not only educators and pedagogical staff, but also supervisors, volunteers in social year (FSJ) programs, and housekeeping personnel. This staffing structure is essential to ensure the quality of care.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the city's clear commitment and financial planning, there are challenges. Funding amounts vary from school to school, and implementation requires flexible adaptation to local conditions. In addition, construction measures for the implementation of spatial concepts are limited, leading to interim solutions.

Another issue is registration: Parents can apply for full-day schooling only shortly before the summer holidays, which complicates planning. Moreover, the current utilization rate in existing full-day schools is 75%, indicating high demand but also pointing to capacity bottlenecks.

To further improve quality and transparency, a framework concept for the Lüneburg full-day care offer is being developed. A first meeting with all relevant stakeholders is planned for the first half of April. This concept will serve as the basis for the further development of full-day schools in Lüneburg.

Outlook: Full-Day School as a Key to Educational Equity

The implementation of the right to full-day care in Lüneburg is a step toward a fairer educational landscape and a better balance between family and work. With a comprehensive offer of full-day schools, the city can not only strengthen equal opportunities but also increase its attractiveness as a place to live and work.

Challenges remain, particularly in terms of funding, staffing, and spatial capacity. However, the political will to establish the full-day school as a central element of the educational landscape is clearly evident.