Youth Policy in Osnabrück: Focus on Integration Groups, Full-Day Offers, and Mental Health

Integration Groups: More Inclusion in Early Childhood Education

The establishment of integration groups in daycare centers in Osnabrück made a significant advancement in February 2026. At the municipal daycare centers Wüste and Heiligenweg, half-day regular groups will be converted into integration groups during the 2026/2027 daycare year. These measures are part of a stronger inclusion policy aimed at supporting children with increased developmental needs early on and at the same time relieving regular groups.

At the Wüste daycare center, one group will be reduced from 25 to 18 spots, with a specialist in therapeutic pedagogy being added. At the Heiligenweg daycare center, where two integration groups already exist, a third one is planned. The implementation costs amount to around 75,000 euros per year and are covered by the Ninth Book of the Social Code (SGB IX).

The Coordination Office for Inclusive Education explicitly supports these steps, as they improve access to inclusive childcare. At the same time, it is becoming clear that the demand for integration spots is high, as existing spots are regularly fully occupied.

Full-Day Offers at Primary Schools: Flexibility and Quality Assurance

Another focus of youth policy in Osnabrück is the further development of full-day offers at primary schools. The goal is to increase flexibility for parents while ensuring the quality of childcare. Starting with the school year 2027/2028, after-school care (Horte) will be bookable on a daily basis, enabling parents to plan individual childcare times.

At the same time, the summer childcare will be booked on a weekly basis to simplify planning for families. Each school location will guarantee at least one after-school group, and registrations must be submitted by January 15. Additionally, a second pick-up time will be introduced starting with the school year 2026/2027, in response to an online petition and pressure from parent groups.

These measures are part of a broader pilot project that strengthens the collaboration between primary schools and cooperative after-school centers. The focus is on improving the transitions between school and after-school care and on developing resilience and social skills.

Mental Health: Challenges in the Youth Welfare System

A central problem discussed in the Youth Welfare Committee is the waiting times for outpatient psychotherapeutic care for children and young people. In Osnabrück and nationwide, the number of young people experiencing mental health difficulties is increasing rapidly. At the same time, waiting times for therapy remain long, which poses significant risks to children's well-being.

The youth welfare system itself can only intervene to a limited extent, as outpatient care is the responsibility of health insurance companies. Nevertheless, the city is advocating for low-threshold support services, such as parenting advice centers, and is promoting cooperation with local therapists and child and adolescent psychiatry.

Another topic is the preparation for primary school. Children with deficits in language or motor skills often start school unprepared, which can have long-term effects on their educational biography. The debate on an across-the-city curriculum for daycare centers has shown that the educational quality in early childhood education is crucial for the transition to school.

Outlook: An Inclusive and Networked Youth Policy

The decisions and debates in February 2026 show that Osnabrück is on the path to a more inclusive, flexible, and networked youth policy. The establishment of integration groups, the reform of full-day offers, and the engagement with mental health issues are key milestones on this journey.

In the future, it will be important to consistently implement these measures and to deepen the dialogue with parents, educators, and therapists. Only in this way can Osnabrück ensure that all children, regardless of their individual needs, receive the best possible support—from daycare through to school and beyond.