The municipal council has approved a comprehensive strategy to expand and modernize the town’s school infrastructure, aiming to provide reliable afternoon care for all primary school children in the coming years.
Future-Oriented School Concept with Flexible Spaces
Mayor Thomas Pardeller (CSU) emphasized the town’s commitment to adapting its educational facilities for the future. “We want to make our primary school fit for the future,” he stated. Central to this initiative are flexible space designs and modern infrastructure that can support a variety of educational and care needs. Planned improvements include multifunctional rooms that can double as dining areas, along with redesigned interiors to enhance usability.
Detailed Development of Space and Care Models
The renovation project includes the creation of a multipurpose room on the ground floor, furnished with column tables, benches, individual desks, and chairs. The west wing of the basement will be reconfigured to support care-specific activities. A designated section on the first floor will be set up for full-day operations, while three equally sized classrooms are planned for the top floor.
Neubiberg plans to offer three main forms of care: full-day classes with structured educational programs, traditional after-school care (Hort) with fixed hours, and flexible midday supervision. According to Mayor Pardeller, the flexible model will be particularly helpful for families needing adaptable schedules.
Current Status of Afternoon Programs
At present, 315 children attend Neubiberg Primary School. Of these, 80 are enrolled in full-day classes, 52 attend the AWO-run Hort at Rathausplatz, and 36 use the AWO’s midday care facility located in the basement of the town hall, which has capacity for 88 children. Additional support is provided by the school’s parent association. Only 59 children are currently not involved in any afternoon care, meaning that approximately 81% of students are already enrolled in some form of program.
Estimated Costs and Funding
To meet the expected increase in demand once full-day care becomes a legal requirement, Neubiberg needs to expand its offerings significantly. The total cost of the planned renovations and equipment upgrades is currently estimated at around €379,200. However, the municipality expects to receive financial support: €6,000 in funding is available for each newly created care slot, along with an additional €1,500 per space for equipment.
Broad Support from the Council, Minor Concerns Raised
Elisabeth Gerner, chair of the SPD parliamentary group, praised the initiative: “We are going beyond what the law requires—for the well-being of our children.” Deputy Mayor Killian Körner (GRÜNE-ÖDP) expressed concerns about the number of places being planned, noting that they exceed current enrollment and could lead to additional costs. The administration responded by explaining the importance of creating a buffer to prepare for future developments and to fully utilize available funding.
School principal Doris Albrecht also emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it is essential to “provide children with spaces where they can move freely and not feel cramped.” The council unanimously approved the expansion plans.
Preparing for a Legal Mandate on Full-Day Care
This initiative is part of Neubiberg’s efforts to proactively respond to the federal government’s phased introduction of a legal right to full-day care for primary school students. Starting in the 2026/27 school year, first graders will be guaranteed access to full-day supervision, with the entitlement gradually extending to all grades by 2029/30.
The legislation mandates at least eight hours of care on school days and eight weeks of holiday care annually, each with up to eight hours of supervision per day. Neubiberg’s planned investments aim not only to meet these future legal obligations but also to place the well-being and development of its children at the heart of educational planning.
