The Sofia Municipality publishes for public discussion a draft of changes to the Regulation for admission to municipal nurseries and kindergartens. The goal is fairer ranking, clearer rules for parents and guaranteeing access for families who actually live in the relevant area. The draft is not final and all citizens, parents and organizations can send opinions and suggestions within the framework of the public discussion until February 24, 2026. After summarizing them, the document will be submitted for consideration to the Sofia Municipal Council.
Main proposals
Unifying the weight of permanent and current address in order to take into account the real place of residence of families. This avoids situations where parents living in rented accommodation or without the possibility of changing their permanent address are placed in a situation of inequality.
Implementing the more favorable option in the case of different residence of the parents, so that the family receives the maximum number of points according to its situation.
Additional point for families from more remote settlements (e.g. Vladaya) - when applying to the local kindergarten or in a neighboring settlement, in order to guarantee access to the nearest childcare facility.
Introducing a short written agreement between the parents and the kindergarten with clearly stated rules for attendance, communication and financial parameters, which ensures predictability and mutual responsibility.
Abolishing the additional point for children who attended nursery schools, starting from the next school year, with a one-year transition period. The change aims to make more efficient use of places and prevent formal registrations without actual visits.
When placing children of detained parents, the main change is the elimination of the interim working group, which previously reviewed the documents. This does not introduce a new rule - the municipality continues to provide care only by court order, in the interest of the child who has been left without care, and the number of places for other applicants is not reduced.
The Sofia Municipality encourages parents and all interested parties to participate in the public discussion until February 24, 2026. After its completion and summary of the submitted proposals, the project will be submitted for consideration to the Sofia Municipal Council.
With the proposed changes, the municipality continues its commitment to providing sustainable and fair solutions to one of the most important issues for families in Sofia - access to quality education and care from an early age.