Cyprus expands optional all-day school program to 378 units

The Cypriot Council of Ministers has approved a proposal by the Ministry of Education to increase the number of optional all-day schools by 60, effective this September. This expansion will bring the total number of such schools nationwide from 318 to 378. Minister Athena Michaelidou announced that this move is part of a government commitment to implement the program across all primary schools by 2028. The schools will offer extended operating hours until 3:00 or 4:00 PM. The government has transitioned from hiring staff through service purchase agreements to utilizing the official appointment registers. Furthermore, the curriculum has been updated to focus on IT and English language education, while integrating the afternoon program more closely with morning lessons. The ministry maintains that these schools are designed as learning environments rather than mere childcare facilities.