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

🩺 My Top Picks for Expat Health Insurance in Spain

Looking for the best health insurance as an expat in Spain? I've got you covered! Check out my recommendations for reliable insurance options that provide excellent coverage, flexibility, and peace of mind while living abroad.

Explore the Best Health Insurance for Expats

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.

👶 Recommended for Expat Families: Asisa Private Insurance

As an expat, having reliable healthcare during your maternity leave is essential. I recommend Asisa Private Insurance for its excellent maternity coverage, access to private hospitals, and specialist care tailored for families in Spain. It’s a great option to ensure peace of mind throughout your maternity journey.

Learn More About Asisa’s Plans

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.