Flensburg's Open After-School Program: Structural Adjustments and Legal Right of Access from 2026

Structural Adjustments to the Open After-School Program in Flensburg

The Open After-School Program in Flensburg is a key instrument of educational policy, which has been gradually expanded and professionalized since 2011. In April 2026, significant changes were once again adopted, coming into effect on August 1, 2026. The Education Committee decided on a simplification of the module structure, adjustment of parental contributions, and integration of holiday care into the basic module. These measures are part of the implementation of the legal right of access to after-school care as stipulated in § 24 SGB VIII.

Simplification of the Module Structure

The previous module structure of the Open After-School Program – consisting of Module 1, Module 2, Late Care 1, and 2 – will be simplified as of August 2026. Modules 1 and 2 will be combined into a Basic Module, covering the period until 4 p.m. Late Care 1 and 2 will be consolidated into a Late Care Module, covering the time from 4 to 6 p.m.

This simplification has several advantages: it reduces administrative effort, makes the offer clearer for parents, and facilitates booking. It also enables a uniform contribution structure that reduces the financial burden on families. In addition, holiday care will be included in the Basic Module, but can also be accessed separately.

Adjustment of Parental Contributions

Parental contributions will be recalculated to align them with the legal right of access to after-school care. For the Basic Module (from school dismissal until 4 p.m.), the maximum monthly contribution is 129 € for 5 days/week. For the Late Care Module (4–6 p.m.), the maximum contribution is 60 €/month.

This adjustment is necessary, as the legal right of access to after-school care according to SGB VIII provides for 8 hours of daily care, including holidays (except for 4 weeks of closure per year). The future parental contribution for a legally compliant place must not exceed 135 €/month, including holiday care. The new contribution structure enables the city of Flensburg to access subsidies under the updated operational cost subsidy guidelines.

Holiday Care and Inclusion Goals

Holiday care is an integral part of the Open After-School Program and will be included in the monthly contributions of the Basic Module in the future. It will, however, remain available as a separate offering. The goal is to ensure reliable and equal care throughout the year.

In addition, inclusion is being emphasized more strongly. All children should be able to participate in the Open After-School Program, regardless of gender, origin, or disability. Closer cooperation with special education centers such as the Max von der Grün School is planned, and the city aims to better integrate existing offerings.

Future Perspectives and Evaluation

The adjustments to the framework concept are part of a continuous development process. The city of Flensburg plans a timely evaluation of the implementation to assess the quality and quantitative development of the after-school offer. Feedback from parents, students, and educators will also be taken into account.

In addition, a Quality Circle will be established that will review processes annually in workshops and develop improvement proposals. With this, the city of Flensburg aims to establish the Open After-School Program as a high-quality and inclusive educational offering that meets the demands of the future.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Equitable Education

The changes to the framework concept of the Open After-School Program in Flensburg mark an important milestone in the implementation of the legal right of access to after-school care. They show how a city can adapt its educational policy to legal and social developments in order to promote equal opportunities and inclusion. At the same time, the focus remains on simplification, transparency, and financial accessibility for parents. Flensburg thus sets an example for other cities in Germany facing similar challenges in the education sector.