The Ministry of Education will run its Summer Public Schools (SPS) programme at 64 schools across all five districts from June 22 to July 24, with priority given to children from vulnerable and low-income families.
The programme will operate across 39 primary schools and 25 kindergartens for 25 working days. Daily hours run from 7:45am to 1:05pm, with an afternoon extension to 4:00pm available for families who choose it.
Eligibility
Places are open to pupils currently enrolled in Years 1 to 5 at public primary schools. Year 6 pupils are not eligible, as they will have graduated on June 17. For kindergartens, eligible children are those who attended public kindergartens and were born between September 1, 2019 and March 31, 2021, as well as children who attended pre-primary with a deferred enrolment.
Priority is allocated in the following order:
- Children under the supervision of the Social Welfare Services, with relevant certification
- Children whose parents or guardians receive the Guaranteed Minimum Income, with relevant certification
- Children from families with an annual household income not exceeding €20,000, with relevant certification
- Children with special needs attending a Special Unit, by decision of the District Special Education Committee
- Children with severe or multiple disabilities
- Children from families with an annual household income between €20,001 and €30,000, with relevant certification
- Orphaned children, children from single-parent families, children from large families (four or more children), and children from five-member families
- Children from families with an annual household income between €30,001 and €45,000, with relevant certification
Meals and transport
Children may bring breakfast from home or purchase it from the school canteen where one operates. The Ministry noted that canteens are considered the preferred option given the increased food safety risks associated with transporting food during summer. Children staying beyond 1:05pm will be offered lunch between 1:05pm and 1:45pm; the cost must be paid in advance to the school principal. Packed lunches are not permitted for the midday meal.
Transport to SPS schools is the responsibility of parents and guardians, as attendance is voluntary. School principals are asked to prepare lists of pupils by community who will use bus services, once enrolments are complete.
Greek language support
The SPS programme also includes Greek language teaching for children with migrant backgrounds who do not have a sufficient command of the language, combining language learning with creative activities. All such children across all year groups are eligible.
Summer Special Schools
The Ministry has also extended the summer school model to Special Schools. The Summer Special Schools (SSS) programme runs from June 22 to July 31 — 30 working days — and is open to children currently enrolled in Special Schools. Daily hours are the same as the standard SPS.
Children at Special Schools receive free breakfast and, for those staying until the afternoon, a free lunch between 1:05pm and 1:45pm. Packed lunches are not permitted for the midday meal. The menu has been approved by a Ministry committee based on the specific needs of these schools. Transport is provided at no cost to families.
The curriculum follows the Special Optional All-Day School programme, adapted to the needs of enrolled children and available school facilities. School Boards will continue to coordinate teaching assistants and supervisors at Special Schools.