2026

No reforms have been completed. 

2025

Education for children aged 0 to 6: integrating the 0 to 3 age group into the education system overseen by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MECI)

Under the Major Policy Choices Act for 2025–2029, adopted on 31st December 2025, it is emphasised that the universal provision of pre-school education, as well as the integration of children aged 0 to 3 into the education system, are fundamental measures for ensuring an equitable start to school paths that foster development. Accordingly, this strategic objective is to be achieved through the implementation of the following measures: (1) ensuring universal and free access to pre-school education from the age of 3, by contracting with the social, private and cooperative sectors to provide the estimated 12 000 places currently lacking in the most deprived areas; (2) integrating the 0 to 3 age group into the education system overseen by the MECI.

Following the publication of Decree-Law No. 105/2025, 12 September, the MECI has become responsible for the pedagogical and didactic aspects of children aged 0 to 6. Two ministries – MECI and the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security (MTSSS) -  work in close collaboration to improve the quality of Early Childhood Education and Care, considered both a right of children and families and a key factor for equity and quality in children’s lives. Curriculum development, enrichment activities and pedagogical guidance are now coordinated across the entire age group from 0 to 6 years.

Increased provision of pre-school education for 3-year-olds from 2025/2026 on

The Council of Ministers in March 2025 approved the opening of 200 new pre-school classrooms in the next school year for children aged 3 and over.

This measure authorises the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation to contract with private, cooperative and social education establishments, including Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS), allowing 5 000 children free access to that level of education in geographical areas that lack public provision and a solidarity network. According to a survey carried out by the ministry, the largest supply shortages are mainly in the Lisbon region.

The investment of 42.5 million euros, which will be fulfilled in schoolyears 2025/2026 to 2027/2028, takes another step towards universal and free pre-school education.

Universal pre-school education at three years old

Law No 22/2025, 4 March, establishes universal pre-school education in Portugal for all children from the age of three. This legislation amends Law 85/2009, 27 August, which regulated compulsory schooling, extending access to pre-school education.

This law offers universal access for all children to pre-school education in the year they turn three. To this end, the state is responsible for guaranteeing a network of establishments that provide universal and free access to pre-school education.

This measure aims to promote equal opportunities from an early age and boost the role of education in children’s lives.

2024

Pedagogical guidelines for creches (PGC) (update)

Published in March 2024, the Pedagogical Guidelines for Creches (PGC) are designed to assist with the development of pedagogical activities for children in creches.

In September 2024, as part of the Learn More Now strategy presented by the government, the continuous training regarding "Pedagogical Guidelines for Creches" for pre-primary teachers and assistants was defined as a priority for 2024/25

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security set up a working group to study and present proposals regarding widespread access to early childhood education via Despatch No 8251/2024, 24 July.

The working group's mission is to analyse the existing network, present an action plan that guarantees free pre-school education, particularly for children covered by the Creche Feliz Programme in the 2024/2025 school year. It also proposes a strategy to ensure continuity between creche and pre-school education, as well as the pedagogical quality of the integrated provision for children between 0 and 6 years old. Its conclusions are expected to be presented at the end of November 2024.

Pedagogical Guidelines for Creches (PGC) 

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security set up a working group whose mission was to produce a guideline document for the development of children's pedagogical activity in creches. 

The outcome was the Pedagogical Guidelines for Creches (PGC), a key document for pre-primary teachers that is based on a set of foundations and principles of early childhood pedagogy. Such information supports teaching, in conjunction with educational teams, leaders, families, as well as various professionals and political players whose coordinated action provides quality education and care for children up to the age of three.

It is important to emphasise that, in this complex and systemic early childhood education framework, the role of the pre-primary teacher is crucial, ensuring respect for the child’s rights and an ethical commitment to children, families, the institution (team and employer), community and society.

The PGC are based on the idea of education up to the age of 6 years old. It is seen as an integrated stage that seeks to dovetail with the Curricular Guidelines for Pre-Primary Education (CGPPE), while safeguarding the specific characteristics of education and care for children up to 3 years of age. To this end, these guidelines adopt a holistic approach, viewing the child as both competent and keen to participate.

The document is divided into eight chapters:

I. Fundamentals and principles of early childhood pedagogy

II. The role of the pre-primary teacher

III. Intentionality in education

IV. Organisation of the educational environment

V. Areas of experience and learning

VI. Working with families and community

VII. Leadership and teamwork

VIII. Educational continuity and transitions

After an initial consultation process with specialists in early childhood education from different areas of knowledge and experience (May 2023), the public consultation regarding this document will take place between 16 January and 16 February, 2024. This is done to encourage broad reflection and enhance the participation of society in general. After this process, which will allow a variety of contributions, the final version of the PGC will be prepared.