Andernach and the Implementation of the Right to Full-Day Support

Andernach focuses on structure and transparency in full-day support

In March 2026, the city of Andernach set a milestone in the implementation of the Full-Day Support Act (GaFöG). By taking over the Kita Kell, restructuring childcare offers, and clearly differentiating between full-day schools (GTS) and supporting primary schools (BGS), Andernach shows its commitment to reliably and sustainably fulfilling the legal entitlement to full-day support for children of primary school age from August 1, 2026.

The implementation of this legal entitlement is a central topic in educational policy and has far-reaching implications for families, schools, and local administration. The focus is on the compatibility of family and work as well as the guarantee of high-quality childcare.

Structure of childcare offers: GTS and BGS in the focus

The city of Andernach follows a clear approach: Either full-day school (GTS) or supporting primary school (BGS). This is intended to reduce parallel structures and create a unified childcare system.

The GTS is a school-based offer that is generally free of charge and includes a lunch service. The BGS, on the other hand, is a municipal, fee-based childcare offer that emphasizes socio-pedagogical elements more strongly.

In March 2026, it was decided that the afternoon childcare at full-day schools will take place from 12:00 to 13:30, with a minimum group size of eight children. The cost contribution is 38.00 € per month. For the BGS at regular schools, a monthly fee of 63.00 € is set. The GTS-Plus operation at full-day schools (Monday to Friday 07:00 – 08:00, Friday 12:00 – 15:00) costs 25.00 € per month.

Another important element is holiday childcare, which is gaining more attention from 2026 onwards. It is a central part of the legal entitlement, as the entitlement also applies during school holidays—up to four weeks of interruption per year are allowed.

Cost structure and funding: Parental contributions, subsidies, and social compensation

The funding of childcare offers in Andernach consists of parental contributions, state subsidies, federal subsidies, and municipal subsidies. The cost calculation is of central importance for both parents and the city.

For the school period, the fees amount to 103.00 € for half-day schools and 41.00 € for full-day schools, with municipal subsidies reducing the fees to 63.00 € and 25.00 €, respectively. For holiday childcare, the weekly fee is 152.00 €, with the city providing a subsidy of 91,200 € per year for 200 children.

The city also plans to implement a fee scale based on the number of children in a family, thereby reducing the financial burden on families with multiple children. For low-income families, social compensation is planned, for example, via BuT funds or complete fee exemption.

Another focal point is the digital overview of holiday childcare offers, which provides parents with transparent and easily accessible information. In addition, the administration will contact independent providers to create as broad a range of offers as possible.

Phasing out existing offers and future challenges

A central decision was the gradual discontinuation of the after-school program in Eich. Existing contracts are expiring, and no new admissions will take place. At the same time, the childcare offer in Namedy will be discontinued in favor of the BGS, with the pavilion being made available additionally.

The city of Andernach emphasizes that it does not want to force families to switch to full-day schooling if this is not desired. At the same time, it is striving to overcome spatial bottlenecks at existing full-day schools and to create flexible offers.

Another topic is cost development. Monthly contributions could influence the uptake, which is why a monitoring system is being set up. The city plans to respond promptly to changing childcare needs and to further develop offers.

Outlook: A model for the future?

Andernach has set a clear course for the implementation of the right to full-day support with the measures from March 2026. The clear structure between GTS and BGS, the transparent cost calculation, and the social compensation show that the city aims for a long-term, sustainable childcare framework.

The next steps include counseling for parents, the implementation of fees for the school year 2026/2027, and the further optimization of childcare offers. With a budget of over 270,000 € for BGS and holiday childcare and municipal support for GTS of 109,583 €, Andernach shows that it is ready to master the challenges of full-day support.

The implementation of the legal entitlement will not only change the childcare landscape in Andernach but also set a milestone for the city's future viability—for families, for education, and for the labor market.