Education Policy in Osnabrück: Expansion of Full-Day Services, Digital Administration, and Youth Participation

Expansion of Full-Day Services at Primary Schools

In January 2026, Osnabrück reached another milestone in implementing the legal entitlement to full-day care, which becomes binding in 2026. The city has already converted all primary schools into full-day schools – a proactive step taken well before the law came into effect. The current discussion in the Committee on Schools and Sports focused on making the care services more flexible. Starting with the school year 2026/2027, a second pick-up time will be introduced to better accommodate parents’ needs without requiring additional staff resources.

Additionally, the summer holiday care program is being restructured. The city conducted comprehensive surveys with over 1,400 families participating. The results revealed a high demand for summer holiday care (83.84%) and a broad interest in activities such as sports, nature experiences, and creative workshops. The city plans to adjust the care hours and locations to better match these preferences, placing greater emphasis on flexibility and proximity.

Digitalization of Sports Facility Management

Another focal point of the committee meeting was digitalization in sports administration. The software "Locaboo" was launched to streamline the management of sports facilities. The rollout is being accompanied by training sessions and testing to ensure a smooth transition. These measures are part of the broader sports development plan, which includes four key areas: sports facility development, program development, the use of schoolyards as movement spaces, and structural development.

In addition, construction projects are underway at several open-air sports facilities, including the renovation of artificial turf fields and running tracks. These investments reflect the city's commitment to providing modern and safe infrastructure for both young and adult athletes.

Youth Participation and Quality of Stay

One of the central topics initiated by the youth parliamentarians is the installation of table-bench combinations at municipal playgrounds, football fields, and schoolyards. The proposal to install such facilities at as many locations as possible by 2028 was discussed and forwarded during the youth parliament meeting. The goal is to create accessible meeting places for children and young people that strengthen social cohesion.

Currently, table-bench combinations are already in place at 18 of the 46 schoolyards. The remaining 28 schools are being evaluated, especially in the context of renovation projects. In addition, covered table-bench combinations are to be installed at football fields. The city administration will be tasked with identifying, in collaboration with the youth parliament, additional suitable locations for such facilities.

Outlook: How Osnabrück is Developing Further

In January 2026, Osnabrück's education policy demonstrated itself as dynamic and oriented toward broad participation. The combination of pedagogical innovations, digital administration, and youth participation highlights how closely the city integrates citizens' interests into its planning processes.

In the coming year, the results of the summer care survey and the implementation of digitalization measures in sports administration will provide further momentum. The involvement of youth parliamentarians will remain a central component in the city's ongoing efforts to sustainably improve the quality of stay for its residents.