English will become mandatory in kindergartens: from September 1, 2026 it will be taught to 5–6-year-olds — the Ministry of Education and Science
Twice a week and through play: how preschoolers will learn English
From 1 September 2026 the study of the English language will become a mandatory part of the educational process for older preschool children – from five to six years old. More than 75% of Ukrainian kindergartens are already ready to introduce such classes. Deputy Minister of Education and Science for Preschool Education Anastasiia Konovalova reported this during a briefing within the “August 2026” conference. Mandatory study of English is provided for by the Law of Ukraine “On the Use of the English Language in Ukraine”. The Ministry of Education and Science additionally set out the requirements for organizing instruction in official letter No.1/16388-26.
Lessons can be conducted by educators who have the necessary education and training. At the same time, kindergartens are allowed to involve:
- English teachers from schools;
- private educational institutions;
- individual entrepreneurs who provide educational services;
- other trained specialists on contractual terms.
For each older preschool group a 0.25 of a full-time English teacher position is provided. This corresponds to 4.5 hours of teaching load per week. The Ministry of Education and Science recommends conducting at least two specially organized lessons per week. If a group has more than 12 children, they may be divided into subgroups.
If the community does not have a trained teacher, the kindergarten may organize classes remotely. In that case the English teacher will work with the children via an online platform, and the educator will stay with the group and help conduct the lesson. This does not mean switching preschoolers to distance learning. The children will remain in the kindergarten, and only the English teacher will connect online.
The main goal of the classes will be not fluent language proficiency, but a first introduction to English and fostering interest. Children will be taught through games, songs, rhymes, short phrases, greetings, themed celebrations and dramatized performances.
“The primary goal is to interest the child in the language, explain why it is needed, and give basic knowledge,” – said Anastasiia Konovalova.
The Ministry of Education and Science emphasizes that English should be used naturally during games and daily activities, without creating excessive burden for preschoolers.
