CAF
Published 3 November 2026, 17:05
CAF — componente de apoio à família (before- and after-school care at primary school)
Childcare for pupils in the 1st cycle (years 1–4) before and after lessons and during the school holidays. Under Article 5 of Portaria n.º 644-A/2015, it is run by the town council, a parents' association, an IPSS or another organisation under an agreement with the school group, preferably near the school rather than on its premises; school premises are used only when the organisation has none of its own. Under Article 6, when a child is enrolled, the head teacher must ask the parents whether they need CAF, and the school itself oversees it.
Where you come across it. Enrolling a child in primary school, fees for after-school care and lunches, parents' working hours.
CAF is for the 1st cycle; for pre-school children the same service is called AAAF (atividades de animação e de apoio à família). AEC is not after-school care but free activities within the school day. A place at the school does not guarantee a place in CAF: you often enrol not at the school office but with the organisation that runs it.