Nursery and Childcare in Spain: Best Tips for Expat Families

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Before getting pregnant in Spain, I had no idea what to expect regarding nursery and childcare. For those unfamiliar with my content, I have been living in Spain for the past six years, originally hailing from France. Understanding the childcare system in Spain can be quite challenging, especially if you're not used to Spanish bureaucracy. This guide is aimed at expats moving to Spain with kids or expectant parents considering Spain as a place to raise their children.

In my case, I chose to enroll my child in a Spanish nursery rather than an English-speaking one, as I wanted my child to be fully immersed in Spanish culture and the school system.

What Age Do Children Start Nursery in Spain?

Nursery in Spain starts at 4 months old and is divided into three age groups:

  • Group 1: 4 months to 1 year

  • Group 2: 1 to 2 years

  • Group 3: 2 to 3 years

Given that maternity and paternity leave in Spain is 4 months long, parents returning to work can opt for either private or public nurseries.

How Much Does Preschool Cost in Spain?

The cost of preschool in Spain varies significantly depending on the type of nursery:

  • Public Nurseries: These are subsidized by the government, making them more affordable, typically ranging from 100 to 300 euros per month. If your child eats at the nursery, you should add an additional daily cost of around 10 euros.

  • Private Nurseries: These are generally more expensive, with fees ranging from 450 to 900 euros per month, excluding food. In both cases, there might be extra costs for materials, nappies, and other essentials.

How to Register Your Child for School in Spain

To register your child for nursery in Spain, you will need the following documents:

  • Child's birth certificate

  • DNI or NIE of the parent applying

  • Proof of healthcare

  • Filled application form

Open Days for Nurseries

Open days for nurseries usually take place from April to early June. This is a great opportunity to visit the nurseries, check out the infrastructure, and ask all your questions to the staff. It's highly recommended to attend these open days to get a better understanding of each nursery's environment and offerings.

By visiting during open days, you can:

  • Meet the Staff: Interact with the teachers and caregivers who will be looking after your child.

  • Explore the Facilities: See the classrooms, play areas, and other facilities to ensure they meet your expectations.

  • Understand the Curriculum: Learn about the nursery's educational approach and daily routines.

  • Ask Questions: Inquire about anything from health and safety protocols to meal plans and extracurricular activities.

Public vs. Private Childcare in Spain

You have the option to enroll your child in either public or private nurseries (guarderías) in Spain. Public nursery places are highly competitive due to high demand, especially for the 4 months to 1-year age group where there is only up to 8 spots available. The selection is based on a strict point system with the following criteria:

  • Residing in the town where the nursery is located: 70 points

  • Working in the town where the nursery is located: 5 points

  • Having children already registered in the nursery: 10 to 20 points

  • Registering more than one child: 10 points

  • Both parents working: 40 points

  • Child with a disability: 5 points

  • Low-income family: 5 points

  • Classified as a large family: 5 points

  • Single-parent family: 10 points

  • Child with a chronic illness: 5 points

Most people who live and work in the town usually score around 110 points. Those who score above this threshold are typically granted a spot. In case of a tie, a draw is conducted to allocate the final spots, with the remaining applicants placed on a waiting list. When pre-registering, you can choose three options. In my case, I was initially placed on a waiting list for my first choice but later secured a spot for my second choice.

Pros and Cons of Public Nurseries in Spain

Pros:

  • More affordable

  • Discounts available for low-income families; sometimes, food is free

  • More staff to look after the children

Cons:

  • Less flexibility with the timetable (usually from 9 am to 5 pm)

  • Longue periods of holidays e.g. closed for 2 weeks over Christmas and two weeks for Easter week

  • Tend to close at the end of June

  • Selection process to get a spot

Pros and Cons of Private Nurseries in Spain

Pros:

  • More flexibility with the timetable (drop-off from 7:30 am to 7 pm)

  • No selection process

  • Open until end of July

  • Two starting dates (September and January)

Cons:

  • More expensive

  • Less staff in some cases

In my case, despite getting a spot in a public nursery I ended up deciding to go for a private nursery instead because of the flexibility it offered me even if that came at an extra cost. Having said that, depending on your circumstances I hope this post can help you decide what is best for you and your family.