Whether in large or small politics – the honorable attempt to ensure justice prevails rarely results in the fact that everyone concerned is really satisfied. In any case, the revision of the lunchtime care statute and its unanimous approval by the Baierbrunn municipal council in February 2022, despite good intentions, caused resentment among some parents. There was talk of “unequal treatment”. A new amendment to the statute, which Ravindra Nath (FDP) had now submitted, was not accepted in the municipal council for the time being.
In the most recent town hall meeting at the beginning of June, the head of the town hall, Patrick Ott (ÜWG), had to listen to a lot, because as a result of the statutes, a number of fourth graders had received a cancellation for the new school year: The statutes stipulate that when the community’s lunchtime care on the premises of the Elementary school is full, third and fourth graders have to go to after-school care. This, in turn, is located on the grounds of the sports and community center. To get there, you have to cross Wolfratshauser Straße, the B 11.
The sticking point of the criticism: the statutes could be interpreted in such a way that when selecting the places in the “Mitti” (lunchtime care) the class affiliation would be prioritized as a criterion over the employment of the parents. In order to rectify this, Ravindra Nath had submitted a motion to change the statutes, which triggered lengthy discussions in the municipal council. It was important to Nath to make it clear that children in the first and second grades should only be given preference under the same conditions – in order to avoid that children whose parents do not work are more likely to get a place than those of parents who both work full-time. “As it stands now, I made a mistake that I want to correct,” said the Liberal, who had also agreed. He proposed “priority levels” that should allow for a fairer admissions process.
Ultimately, however, the clear majority of the committee spoke out in favor of rejecting the amendment – also because in the coming school year all children in Baierbrunn for whom it was requested were given childcare places. However, it was agreed that the administration should be commissioned to look for ways to secure or even expand capacities beyond the next school year together with the after-school care service and the after-school care provider “Denk-Mit”. In addition, the subject of changing the statutes could come up again in a few months to avoid renewed trouble.
Mayor Ott is annoyed that some parents see the choice of location as a “request concert”.
But is that even possible? “As long as there is a lack of places, there will be trouble, no matter what criteria we set up,” said Baierbrunn town hall manager Matteo Rudolph. There was generally no shortage of places, emphasized Mayor Ott. “We had a sufficient offer for everyone, but not everyone accepted it.” There are parents who absolutely want to place their children in the “Mitti” and not in the after-school care center. He can also understand one or the other reason for this, but cannot resist the impression that some parents see the whole thing as a “request concert”. Ott criticized the tone that was struck at the citizens’ meeting. “We have to leave the church in the village. Our needs are covered 100 percent.”
The lunchtime care containers on Hermann-Roth-Straße are actually intended for around 100 children, but more than 120 are cared for, so other school premises have to be used. Claudia Puchan and Claudia Rapp from the midday care emphasized that they proceeded carefully when examining the claims: “We have to make a selection somewhere.”
Martina Fellermeier (CSU), who is a daycare manager herself, went into the basics: “It’s a drama: whether daycare or after-school care – there are too few places and too few staff.” The situation in the south of Munich is difficult, and changing the statutes will not change anything. Tanja König (Greens) said: “We don’t need a shelter for children whose parents just work, work. Our society has to change.” You should be creative and involve seniors who could look after children. In any case, what will continue to exist is a position for young people in the FSJ (voluntary social year) at the elementary school and lunchtime supervision. The municipal council has approved the continuation of the position indefinitely for the coming school years.