Saxony-Anhalt: Children from the Ukraine: No space problems in daycare centers

Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - The Ministry of Social Affairs assumes that the increased need for care in day-care centers can currently be met by admitting Ukrainian families in Saxony-Anhalt.

Saxony-Anhalt: Children from the Ukraine: No space problems in daycare centers

Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - The Ministry of Social Affairs assumes that the increased need for care in day-care centers can currently be met by admitting Ukrainian families in Saxony-Anhalt. This emerges from a response from the state government to a small request from state parliamentarian Nicole Anger (left). "There is currently no indication that the need for care in day-care centers cannot be covered," it says.

The districts and urban districts in Saxony-Anhalt have so far taken in around 24,200 war refugees from the Ukraine. According to the Ministry of the Interior last week, these included at least 2,589 children of kindergarten age and 6,094 children of school age.

"A structured everyday life and contact with their peers are important for the Ukrainian children," said Anger. She does not share the state government's assessment. Especially in larger cities like Magdeburg it is sometimes difficult to get a place in a timely manner. Many daycare centers also continued to suffer from the consequences of the corona pandemic and recorded a high level of sick leave. More staff must be recruited and an attempt made to have day care centers increase the number of places by changing their operating license if the premises allow it.

The respective local public youth welfare organizations are responsible for the operating permit. According to the government response, these should create the necessary care capacities "by exhausting all scope for action and decision-making". In Saxony-Anhalt, around 28,000 children between the ages of zero and three and around 65,000 children between the ages of three and those who start school are cared for in day-care facilities.