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Bavaria's school support crisis deepens as costs and demand skyrocket

Record funding can't keep up with the explosion in demand. Teachers warn untrained assistants are filling gaps—putting vulnerable students at risk.

The image shows a poster with text and images that reads "Do the Poor Need Their Children's Help?"
The image shows a poster with text and images that reads "Do the Poor Need Their Children's Help?"

Number of school escorts grows rapidly - Bavaria's school support crisis deepens as costs and demand skyrocket

The demand for one-on-one school support in Bavaria has surged in recent years. More children now require individual assistance due to emotional, psychological, or physical challenges. Rising diagnoses and staff shortages have pushed costs to record levels—reaching over €133.5 million in 2024 alone.

Between 2018 and 2024, the number of children needing support for conditions like ADHD, aggression, or concentration difficulties jumped from 2,755 to 6,842. Those with physical or intellectual disabilities also increased, from 18,685 in 2015 to 20,085 in 2024. Teachers report that assistants help prevent disruptions, allowing classes to run more smoothly.

Expenditure on school support has more than doubled since 2018, climbing from €48.5 million to over €133.5 million. Yet despite the growing need, staff shortages persist. Low pay and the job's demands deter many from taking up the role.

The Bavarian Teachers' Association (BLLV) warns that the system relies too heavily on untrained staff. President Simone Fleischmann stresses the need for qualified professionals with pedagogical and psychological expertise. The BLLV is calling for a complete overhaul of how school support is recruited and funded.

With diagnoses rising and funding stretched thin, the gap between demand and available assistance continues to widen. Schools face ongoing challenges in providing adequate care for children with complex needs. The BLLV insists that without systemic changes, the shortage of skilled assistants will only worsen.

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