Calls for consensus are mounting regarding the differing school holiday schedules across German states, particularly concerning the special regulations currently in place for Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Federal Education Minister Karin Prien has urged state education ministries to find a “modern solution” to the ongoing debate.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Minister Prien emphasized the responsibility of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Culture (KMK) and individual states to address the issue.
The Federal Parents’ Council has also voiced its support for a unified approach, highlighting the desire for greater predictability in family holiday planning. Aline Sommer-Noack, deputy chair of the council, stated that a collaborative dialogue between states would be the most effective path toward sustainable solutions.
The Parents’ Council specifically advocates for a standardized, rolling holiday cycle, which they believe would significantly ease planning for families with children attending different school types or residing in different states. This perceived benefit is particularly relevant during the summer months, when holiday schedules and childcare arrangements often present significant challenges.
While acknowledging the historical and structural reasons behind the special regulations in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, Sommer-Noack stressed the importance of finding a resolution that prioritizes the needs and predictability for families.